Delhi gets its coolest address: Ice rink in Dwarka, balloon rides by the Yamuna

New Delhi is preparing for two new recreational additions — the capital’s first international-standard ice skating rink and its debut hot air balloon rides — aiming to boost sports infrastructure and open up fresh leisure avenues for residents, reported TOI.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has finalised the implementing agency for a state-of-the-art ice rink at the Dwarka Sector 23 Sports Complex. The 4,200-square-metre facility, featuring a 60x30 metre rink, will be completed in six months.

Ice skating facility coming to Dwarka
The ice rink, designed to meet international benchmarks, will be built at the cloverleaf within the Dwarka Sports Complex. “The initiative, conceptualised and being executed under the guidance of lieutenant governor VK Saxena, would serve the dual purpose of providing recreational avenues to the people of Delhi, besides creating a state-of-the-art infrastructure for the training of sports enthusiasts,” officials said.


Located close to the Urban Extension Road, the site is easily accessible from the Dwarka Expressway junction and the airport tunnel connecting Dwarka Sector 21 with IGI Terminal 3.

The executing agency has been allotted the land and the project will be developed on a licence-fee model for 15 years. The selected builder will complete the construction in partnership with international collaborators.

Filling a sports infrastructure gap
“LG directed DDA to explore the possibility of creating such a facility in Delhi,” TOI quoted a DDA official as sayin. “It was felt that spaces in the capital for enthusiasts to train and participate and for organisers to host events in these sporting activities were limited. Hence, the decision to create an ice skating rink.”

The project also aims to promote ice-based sports such as skating, curling, ice hockey and figure skating, which have seen rising interest across India. It will also serve as a climate-controlled indoor recreational option during Delhi’s long summer.

A DDA official added, “DDA is systematically transforming Dwarka into a modern, well-planned sub-city. It is being developed with a focus on infrastructure, connectivity, green spaces, sports and recreational facilities.”

The Dwarka Sector 23 complex is one of three centres of excellence being developed by DDA. This centre will focus on football, hockey and ice skating. The Sector 8 facility, inaugurated in May, specialises in boxing, wrestling, weightlifting and taekwondo. Another centre in Sector 19, focusing on tennis and shooting, is under construction.

Balloon rides on the Yamuna floodplain
In a separate move, DDA has shortlisted an agency to operate hot air balloon rides at four locations on the Yamuna floodplain — Asita, Baansera, Yamuna Sports Complex, and CWG Village Sports Complex.

This will mark the first time residents will be able to enjoy aerial views of the city through recreational balloon flights. The initiative adds a new dimension to the capital’s leisure options and comes alongside the broader push to enhance Delhi’s recreational infrastructure.

(With inputs from TOI)