The Union government has intensified its focus on strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem, with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya unveiling a new set of infrastructure and athlete-centric initiatives aimed at long-term development across disciplines.
On Tuesday, Mandaviya virtually laid foundation stones for six major sports infrastructure projects and inaugurated two key athlete support facilities, collectively involving an investment of Rs. 120 crore. Of this, Rs. 82 crore has been earmarked for the infrastructure projects, which are being implemented under the Khelo India Scheme with additional support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
The six infrastructure projects span multiple states and sporting needs. These include the upgradation of a synthetic hockey turf in Bengaluru, construction of a multi-purpose indoor hall in Patiala, and the development of synthetic athletic tracks in Bhopal, Guwahati and Jalpaiguri. In addition, a dedicated multi-purpose judo hall is being constructed in Bhopal.
Highlighting the responsibility of maintaining these assets, Mandaviya emphasised the importance of sustainable usage. He said that facilities under SAI must be properly managed, efficiently utilised and, wherever feasible, commercially leveraged to ensure that public investment delivers lasting value.
Alongside infrastructure, two athlete-support facilities were inaugurated to enhance high-performance training environments. These include a centralised kitchen and dining facility designed to strengthen nutrition services, and a modern Integrated Sports Science Centre and Conditioning Hall aimed at supporting athlete performance and recovery.
Mandaviya underlined the evolving nature of sport, describing it as a full-fledged profession that demands structured talent identification and long-term nurturing. He noted that systems must be created to help athletes progress smoothly from grassroots levels to elite competition.
Sports development has remained a priority area for the government in recent years. In the latest Union Budget, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports received an allocation of Rs. 3,794.30 crore, marking a 10.23 per cent increase from the previous year.
The Khelo India programme, focused on grassroots talent development, emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the enhanced funding. The government has also announced plans to expand the Khelo India Mission over the coming decade.
The expanded mission aims to establish an integrated talent development pathway, systematic training of athletes and support staff, greater use of sports science and technology, promotion of competitive leagues, and continued development of training and competition infrastructure.
India’s renewed push for sports development comes at a significant moment, with the country preparing to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and planning a bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, underlining its ambition to emerge as a major global sporting hub.
