Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today announced sports projects worth ₹120 crore. He virtually laid foundation stones for six facilities and inaugurated two athlete support
centres. The projects fall under the Khelo India Scheme with Sports Authority of India support.
The six new projects cost ₹82 crore and are spread across regions, including North-Eastern and Eastern India. Another ₹38 crore funds two completed facilities at NS NIS, Patiala. Together, they aim to build athlete-centric infrastructure and strengthen India's sports ecosystem under Union Government plans.
Project locations and facility details
The projects include upgradation of a synthetic hockey turf in Bengaluru and a multi-purpose hall in Patiala. Synthetic athletic tracks will come up in Bhopal, Guwahati and Jalpaiguri. A multi-purpose judo hall will also be built in Bhopal to support training needs.
New athlete support centres at NS NIS Patiala
At NS NIS, Patiala, Dr. Mandaviya opened a centralised kitchen and food court-cum-dining hall to improve nutrition services. He also inaugurated an Integrated Sports Science Centre and Conditioning Hall for scientific training support, performance analysis, rehabilitation and recovery for elite athletes.
Focus on maintenance and optimal use of SAI assets
Dr. Mandaviya underlined the role of SAI in asset care. He said, "Many sports infrastructure projects are being developed across the country, but the facilities under SAI are our direct responsibility. These assets must be properly maintained, optimally utilised and, wherever possible, commercially leveraged.
Regular reviews for timely completion and use
The Minister stressed accountability and timely delivery through close tracking. He said projects will face continuous monitoring. Monthly reviews will be held by SAI. He will hold quarterly reviews himself. The aim is fast-tracked work and full use of infrastructure created for athletes.
Policy backing through Khelo India Mission
Dr. Mandaviya recalled the Union Finance Minister's announcement of the Khelo India Mission. He said the Mission outlines key steps to strengthen India's sports ecosystem. It covers infrastructure development and other support to raise standards under the broader national sports policy framework.
Financial support for sports ecosystem
He noted that Sports Goods Manufacturing has been given ₹500 crore. This funding is expected to improve domestic manufacturing capacity. It also targets a self-reliant and globally competitive sports ecosystem, linked with infrastructure upgrades under Khelo India and SAI projects nationwide.
Investment breakup
| Component | Amount (₹ crore) |
|---|---|
| Six new infrastructure projects | 82 |
| Two athlete support facilities at NS NIS, Patiala | 38 |
| Total current sports infrastructure investment | 120 |
| Sports Goods Manufacturing allocation | 500 |
Long-term performance goals for Indian sport
Dr. Mandaviya said, "We must work collectively to realise Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of positioning India among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and among the top five when the country celebrates 100 years of Independence.
Grassroots to elite pathway and talent support
He added that sports is now a profession. He said talent identification and nurturing must improve. The Government should stay one step ahead in creating systems so young athletes move from grassroots to elite levels and support India's high-performance sports ecosystem.
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