New Delhi | Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday virtually laid the foundation stones for six major sports infrastructure projects and inaugurated two athlete-centric facilities across the country, involving a total investment of ₹120 crore.
The six foundation stone projects, valued at ₹82 crore, are being implemented under the Khelo India Scheme with support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). These projects aim to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem through balanced, regionally inclusive infrastructure development, with a special focus on the North-Eastern and Eastern regions.
Key Infrastructure Projects
The projects include:
- Upgradation of a synthetic hockey turf in Bengaluru
- Construction of a multi-purpose hall in Patiala
- Development of synthetic athletic tracks in Bhopal, Guwahati, and Jalpaiguri
- Construction of a multi-purpose judo hall in Bhopal
In addition, the Minister inaugurated two completed athlete support facilities at Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NS NIS), Patiala, built at a cost of ₹38 crore. These include a centralised kitchen and food court-cum-dining hall to enhance athlete nutrition services, and a state-of-the-art Integrated Sports Science Centre and Conditioning Hall to support scientific training, performance analysis, rehabilitation, and recovery for elite athletes.
Emphasis on Accountability and Utilisation
Addressing officials and stakeholders, Dr. Mandaviya stressed the importance of proper asset management and optimal utilisation of sports infrastructure. He noted that facilities under SAI’s purview must be well-maintained and, wherever feasible, commercially leveraged to ensure long-term value from public investment.
To ensure timely completion, the Minister announced monthly reviews at the SAI level and quarterly personal reviews, underscoring the government’s focus on accountability and fast-tracking projects.
Aligning with Long-Term Sports Vision
Referring to the broader policy framework, Dr. Mandaviya recalled the announcement of the Khelo India Mission, which prioritises infrastructure development as a key pillar of India’s sports growth. He reiterated the government’s vision of positioning India among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and top five by the centenary of Independence.
The Minister also highlighted the ₹500 crore allocation for sports goods manufacturing, aimed at boosting domestic capacity and building a self-reliant, globally competitive sports ecosystem.
The initiatives, he said, are expected to inspire athletes nationwide and significantly contribute to strengthening India’s high-performance sports ecosystem over the long term.
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