India Invests ₹120 Crore to Boost Sports Infrastructure
The Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, took a significant step for India’s sports sector today by virtually laying the foundation stones for six major sports infrastructure projects and inaugurating two athlete support facilities. This initiative represents a robust investment of ₹120 crore, reinforcing the Union Government’s commitment to nurturing a world-class, athlete-centric environment across the nation.
Projects Under the Khelo India Scheme
The six foundation stone projects, with a collective cost of ₹82 crore, are set to be implemented under the Khelo India Scheme, receiving additional backing from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). These projects aim to create a balanced and inclusive sports infrastructure, with geographical distribution across the North-Eastern and Eastern regions of India.
The planned improvements include upgrading a synthetic hockey turf in Bengaluru, constructing a multi-purpose hall in Patiala, laying synthetic athletic tracks in Bhopal, Guwahati, and Jalpaiguri, as well as building a multi-purpose judo hall in Bhopal.
New Facilities for Athletes
In tandem with the foundation stone laying, the minister inaugurated two completed facilities at the National Sports Institute in Patiala, which involved a total investment of ₹38 crore. These include a centralized kitchen and dining hall to enhance athlete nutrition services, along with an Integrated Sports Science Centre and Conditioning Hall, designed to elevate training support, performance analysis, rehabilitation, and recovery for elite athletes.
Commitment to Maintenance and Accountability
Highlighting the importance of asset management, Dr. Mandaviya remarked, “Many sports infrastructure projects are being developed across the country, but the facilities under SAI are our direct responsibility.” He emphasized the need for proper maintenance and optimal utilization of these assets to ensure public investments yield long-term value. Continuous monitoring and accountability will be prioritized, with monthly reviews conducted by SAI and quarterly evaluations by the minister himself.
A Vision for Future Sporting Excellence
Reflecting on broader sports policies, Dr. Mandaviya recalled the announcement of the Khelo India Mission by the Union Finance Minister, which addresses core areas necessary to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem, including infrastructure development. He called for collective efforts to achieve the vision set by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aiming to place India among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and among the top five by the time the nation celebrates its centenary of Independence.
The minister also announced that ₹500 crore has been earmarked for Sports Goods Manufacturing, which will bolster domestic production and support a self-reliant and competitive sports ecosystem. He noted, “Sports today is a profession, and talent identification and nurturing must therefore be strengthened,” underscoring the government’s role in facilitating pathways for young athletes from grassroots to elite levels.
Dr. Mandaviya concluded by stating that the ongoing development of sports infrastructure aims to inspire athletes throughout the country, reinforcing India’s high-performance sports ecosystem and contributing to the nation’s long-term sporting aspirations.
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