In an exclusive discussion, Deepak Verma, Head of Business at Pacecourt, shares insights on revolutionizing sports infrastructure through synthetic acrylic flooring, highlighting innovation, durability, and performance while catering to athletes’ needs across professional, institutional, and recreational sports facilities.
With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and India’s 2036 bid, how do you see India’s sports infrastructure evolving over the next decade?
Deepak Verma: India is entering a transformative phase in sports infrastructure. Over the next decade, we will see a shift from simply increasing the number of facilities to focusing on quality, durability, and athlete-centric design.
With global sporting ambitions, there will be greater emphasis on international standards, multi-sport community infrastructure, and surfaces that support both grassroots participation and high-performance training.
The future of sports infrastructure in India will be defined not just by scale, but by long-term performance and sustainability.
Why do many outdoor courts deteriorate early despite increasing construction?
Deepak Verma: The gap largely comes from a construction-first approach rather than a performance-first approach. Many projects prioritize speed and cost over material quality, proper sub-base preparation, and climate suitability.
Inadequate drainage, poor surface layering, and the use of generic materials not designed for Indian weather conditions often lead to cracks, fading, uneven play, and frequent repairs within a short period.
How important is climate-specific surface engineering for India?
Deepak Verma: It is absolutely critical. India’s combination of extreme heat, high UV exposure, heavy rainfall, and dust places significant stress on outdoor surfaces.
Without UV-stable coatings, thermal flexibility, and proper water resistance, surfaces degrade quickly. Climate-adapted systems ensure color retention, crack resistance, and consistent playing conditions throughout the year, significantly extending the court’s lifespan.
Do developers focus enough on lifecycle cost and maintenance?
Deepak Verma: In many cases, the primary focus is still on initial installation cost. However, the real cost of a sports surface lies in its lifecycle — including maintenance, repairs, downtime, and resurfacing frequency.
Institutions are gradually becoming more aware that investing slightly more upfront in high-quality systems can reduce long-term operational costs and ensure uninterrupted usage.
How does surface quality impact athletes?
Deepak Verma: Surface quality directly affects player safety, comfort, and performance. Uneven or overly hard surfaces increase the risk of joint stress, slips, and impact injuries.
High-quality surfaces provide optimal shock absorption, grip, and consistent ball response, which not only reduces injury risk but also improves confidence and performance consistency for players at all levels.
How important is alignment with international standards?
Deepak Verma: If India aims to host global events and develop world-class athletes, aligning infrastructure with international specifications is essential.
Standardized surfaces ensure uniform playing conditions, enable athletes to train in competition-like environments, and improve India’s readiness to host international tournaments.
What technical parameters should decision-makers prioritize?
Deepak Verma: Key factors include:
- Proper sub-base design and drainage
- UV resistance and color stability
- Surface flexibility to handle thermal expansion
- Adequate shock absorption and cushioning
- Slip resistance and player traction
- Weather resistance and low maintenance requirements
These parameters determine durability, safety, and overall lifecycle performance.
How is Pacecourt differentiating itself?
Deepak Verma: Pacecourt focuses on climate-engineered surface systems designed specifically for Indian conditions. The emphasis is on high UV stability, crack resistance, consistent performance, and long lifecycle durability.
The company also prioritizes technical site assessment, proper installation protocols, and quality control to ensure that courts perform reliably over time rather than just meeting initial specifications.
What structural changes are needed for better sports surfaces in India?
Deepak Verma: Three key changes are needed:
- Policy: Clear quality standards and certification requirements for sports surfaces
- Procurement: Evaluation based on lifecycle performance rather than lowest cost
- Awareness: Greater understanding among institutions and developers about the long-term impact of material quality and technical design
Building world-class sports infrastructure is not just about constructing more courts; it is about ensuring they remain safe, playable, and durable for years.
Verma emphasizes Pacecourt’s commitment to quality, safety, and sustainable solutions, demonstrating how advanced sports flooring not only enhances athletic performance but also transforms sporting environments, positioning the company as a key player in India’s growing sports infrastructure and facility development landscape.
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