In a strong step towards advancing athlete health and training, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, inaugurated the Medical Centre Extension at SAI LNCPE, Thiruvananthapuram, on July 10, 2025. Her visit showcased the government’s deep commitment to sports infrastructure and holistic athlete development.
A Warm Welcome at SAI LNCPE
The Minister was welcomed at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre at LNCPE, Kariavattom, by Dr. G. Kishore, Principal of LNCPE and Regional Head of SAI. The event began with a ceremonial tribute to Rani Lakshmibai, symbolizing strength and resilience—qualities embedded in every athlete trained at SAI.
Smt. Khadse officially inaugurated the newly constructed Medical Centre building, which is designed to integrate sports medicine, physiotherapy, recovery, and performance science under one roof. This facility significantly boosts the institute’s capacity to offer athlete-focused medical care.
During the presentation, Shri C. Dhandapani, Director of SAI RC, explained how the new wing is part of a larger roadmap to upgrade the centre’s infrastructure. The Minister appreciated the vision behind the project and called it “a game-changer in sports healthcare.”
Empowering Athletes through Science and Structure
In her keynote speech, Smt. Khadse stressed the importance of scientific support systems in modern sports. She said, “Institutions like SAI are not just training centres—they are nation-building institutions like IITs.”
She emphasized that medical and sports science facilities must go hand-in-hand with athletic training. The new centre is equipped to handle sports injuries, performance tracking, and recovery protocols, ensuring that athletes receive complete, on-site care.
Honouring Excellence in Indian Sports
The event also recognized the incredible achievements of Indian sports veterans and emerging talents. Those felicitated included:
- Shri S. Gopinath IPS (Retd.) – Former Indian Volleyball International
- Shri Saji Thomas – Arjuna Awardee & Rowing Coach, NCOE Alleppey
- Smt. Omana Kumari – Arjuna Awardee and former Volleyball Player
Medal-winning athletes from SAI National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) were also honoured:
- Subha Venkatesan, Jisna Mathew, Kunja Ranjitha – Gold in Women’s 4x400m Relay, 26th Asian Athletics Championship
- Nithya Gandhe, Abinaya Rajarajan, Sneha S.S. – Silver in Women’s 4x100m Relay
- Rince Joseph, Manu T.S. – Silver in Men’s 4x400m Relay
- Niraimathi J. – Bronze in Cycling, Asian Track Cycling Championship
- Luv Gocher – Para-Taekwondo and Volleyball player, selected for global competitions
Green Drive: Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0
Adding a layer of environmental awareness, Smt. Khadse launched a plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0’ initiative. She planted saplings as part of the centre’s goal to plant 1000 trees across all SAI STCs under the LNCPE region.
This campaign aligns with India’s broader goals of sustainability in sports infrastructure.
Inspections and Interactive Demonstrations
The Minister conducted a thorough inspection of key SAI LNCPE facilities, including:
- The 300-bed Girls’ Hostel
- State-of-the-art sports grounds and gymnasiums
- Well-maintained dining and residential areas
She also observed live demonstrations in Kalaripayattu, Taekwondo, Yoga, and Volleyball inside the Multipurpose Hall. These performances reflected the diverse sports disciplines nurtured at the centre.
E-Khel Pathshala and Policy Review
As part of the review, Smt. Khadse evaluated the progress of E-Khel Pathshala, an online training initiative aimed at grassroots-level athlete development. She appreciated the structured delivery of remote coaching and performance tracking.
Later, she chaired a high-level meeting with coaches, sports scientists, and faculty to discuss upgrades in athlete welfare, training modules, and future goals.
A Cultural Close at Trivandrum Golf Club
The Minister’s day concluded with a visit to the Trivandrum Golf Club, adding a cultural note to a day focused on infrastructure and talent development. Her visit underscores the government’s mission to empower athletes from every corner of the nation.
Key Takeaways
- SAI LNCPE’s Medical Centre will provide full-fledged sports medicine support.
- Athletes and Arjuna awardees were felicitated for excellence.
- Minister Khadse’s message compared SAI’s role to IITs in national growth.
- Green initiative with over 1000 saplings across regional centres.
- Digital push through E-Khel Pathshala continues to grow.
This visit has reaffirmed the Sports Authority of India’s leadership in nurturing India’s sports ecosystem and set the path for a more integrated, sustainable, and athlete-first future.