LUCKNOW, July 18 -- The state government on Friday issued directives to complete within three months the renovation of the badminton hall and basketball court at KD Singh 'Babu' Stadium, along with the construction of a gym and a new basketball court at Chowk Stadium. Badminton activities at the 'Babu' stadium have remained suspended since the first week of last month after all three courts were found to be damaged. According to an official communique, the government has already granted financial approval of Rs 1.85 crore for renovating the badminton hall at the stadium. For Chowk Stadium, the government has sanctioned financial approval of Rs 6.17 crore for renovating the badminton hall and basketball court and constructing a gym and a new basketball court. The first instalment of Rs 3.08 crore has also been released. The decision followed a review meeting chaired by sports secretary Suhas LY with officials of the executing agency, UP Samaj Kalyan Nirman Nigam Ltd. He directed officials to complete the projects within the stipulated period. The government said the upgrades are part of its push to provide international-standard facilities to athletes. htc...