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Sports Facilities and Stadiums in Varanasi | HelloBanaras

वाराणसी में खेल सुविधाएं और स्टेडियम | HelloBanaras

Sports Facilities and Stadiums in Varanasi | HelloBanaras

Sports Facilities and Stadiums in Varanasi

Discover playing fields, university grounds and historic stadiums across the city.

Varanasi blends ancient sporting traditions with modern facilities. From the sprawling grounds of BHU to the central Sigra stadium, athletes train beside the Ganga and in the narrow lanes of Lanka and Bhelupur.

At a Glance

5Major stadiums
1916BHU sports origins
3University grounds
2Olympic-size pools
10+Cricket pitches

Where to Find Sports Venues

Key locations spread from the Cantonment to Assi Ghat.

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Sigra Stadium

Dr. Sampurnanand Stadium hosts cricket and athletics in the heart of the city.

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BHU Grounds

Banaras Hindu University offers extensive fields, gymkhana and swimming facilities.

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Assi Riverside Sports

Boating clubs and open yoga fields near Assi Ghat.

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Cantonment Courts

Tennis and badminton courts in the Cantonment area.

Development Timeline

1916

BHU founded

First organised sports facilities established at the new university.

1950s

Sigra opens

Dr. Sampurnanand Stadium built for district-level competitions.

1980s

Swimming pools

Indoor and Olympic pools added near Lanka and BHU.

2010s

Modern upgrades

Floodlights and synthetic tracks installed at major venues.

Tips from people who live here

Best time

Early mornings or late evenings avoid the heat; many grounds open at sunrise.

How to reach

Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws connect Sigra, BHU and Cantonment easily.

What to bring

Comfortable cotton clothes, water bottle and a light towel for the humid weather.

Local etiquette

Respect morning prayers at nearby ghats when training beside the river.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the largest stadium in Varanasi?

Dr. Sampurnanand Stadium at Sigra is the biggest multi-purpose venue for cricket and athletics.

Can visitors use BHU sports facilities?

University grounds are mainly for students, but some events and public sessions are open seasonally.

Are there swimming pools open to the public?

Yes, municipal and university pools near Lanka and BHU offer daily passes for visitors.

Where can I play football or cricket casually?

Open grounds near Assi Ghat and in Cantonment parks welcome informal games most evenings.

Is there any water sports facility?

Rowing and boating clubs operate from Assi and Rajghat during the calmer winter months.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Varanasi has several sports facilities, including the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Stadium, which is primarily used for athletics and local sports events. Additionally, there are various smaller grounds and facilities for cricket, football, and other sports throughout the city.
The Varanasi International Cricket Stadium is rapidly taking shape in Ganjari, with nearly 75% of construction completed and an expected opening in 2026. Built at an estimated cost of ₹450 crore, the stadium will seat around 30,000 spectators.
The stadium known as "Cricket Kashi" is the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Stadium in Varanasi. It serves as a prominent venue for cricket matches and other sporting events in the city.
The international cricket stadium in Varanasi, known as the "Benares International Cricket Stadium," is being developed by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) in collaboration with the state government. The project aims to enhance cricketing infrastructure in the region and promote the sport at a higher level.