NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya laid the foundation stones for six major sports infrastructure projects and inaugurated two athlete support facilities, involving a total investment of Rs. 120 crore.

The initiatives mark a significant step in strengthening India’s sports ecosystem and reaffirming Union Government’s commitment to developing a world-class, athlete-centric infrastructure across the country.

The six foundation stone projects, with a cumulative cost of Rs. 82 crore, are being implemented under the Khelo India Scheme, with additional support from Sports Authority of India (SAI).

These projects are geographically distributed across the country, including the North-Eastern and Eastern regions, ensuring balanced and inclusive sports infrastructure development.

They include the upgradation of a synthetic hockey turf at Bengaluru, construction of a multi-purpose hall at Patiala, laying of synthetic athletic tracks at Bhopal, Guwahati and Jalpaiguri, and construction of a multi-purpose judo hall at Bhopal.

In addition to the foundation stone laying, the Hon’ble Minister inaugurated two completed athlete support facilities at NS NIS, Patiala, with a total investment of Rs. 38 crore.

These include a centralized kitchen and food court-cum-dining hall to strengthen athlete nutrition services, and a state-of-the-art Integrated Sports Science Centre and Conditioning Hall, which will significantly enhance scientific training support, performance analysis, rehabilitation, and recovery for elite athletes.

Recognising the efforts of all the stakeholders involved and highlighting the responsibility of SAI in asset management, the Hon’ble Minister 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 so that public investment continues to create long-term value.”

Emphasising accountability and timely delivery, Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted that these infrastructure projects would be subject to continuous monitoring.

He stated that monthly reviews would be conducted at the level of SAI, while quarterly reviews would be undertaken by him personally, to ensure that projects are fast-tracked and that the infrastructure created is optimally utilised for the benefit of athletes.

Referring to the broader policy framework in Sports Sector, the Hon’ble Minister recalled that the Union Finance Minister has announced the Khelo India Mission, outlining key aspects of implementation to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem, including infrastructure development.

“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,” Dr. Mandaviya said.

He further highlighted that Sports Goods Manufacturing has been allocated Rs. 500 crore, which will not only strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity but also support the growth of a self-reliant and globally competitive sports ecosystem.

Stressing the evolving role of sports in the country, Dr. Mandaviya stated, “Sports today is a profession, and talent identification and nurturing must therefore be strengthened. The Government has to stay one step ahead in creating opportunities and systems that allow young talent to progress from grassroots to elite levels.”

Dr. Mandaviya further said that the sports infrastructure development should inspire athletes across the country to strengthen India’s high-performance sports ecosystem, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s long-term sporting goals.