National Sports Day 2025 was celebrated with energy and pride at the Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) National Centre of Excellence (NCoE), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The event marked the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, led the celebrations with athletes, coaches, and officials.
Renaming and Renewed Identity
During the event, the Minister unveiled the new name of the center — from Aurangabad to SAI NCoE, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. She was joined by Dr. Bhagwat Karad, Member of Parliament and former Minister of State for Finance, along with senior SAI officials Monika Ghuge and Sumesh Tarodekar.
Leading by Example
Smt. Khadse showcased her commitment to the Fit India Movement by participating in a structured fitness session. She joined athletes and sports scientists in warm-up drills, advanced stretching, and strength-building exercises. Her active involvement sent a strong message: fitness should be a daily habit for all citizens, regardless of age.
Later, she toured the sports science labs and training fields, interacting with athletes and coaches. She emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “No Obesity India,” underlining the role of fitness in personal well-being and national development.
Khelo Bharat Niti: A New Sports Vision
In her address, the Minister introduced the Khelo Bharat Niti — a comprehensive framework to build a strong sporting culture from the grassroots level to the international stage. She urged athletes to combine hard work with scientific training methods, stating, “Your dedication is the heart of your success, but sports science is your mind.”
Khadse also called on the corporate sector to invest in SAI Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, stressing that private partnership can accelerate India’s journey to becoming a global sporting powerhouse.
A Legacy of Sporting Excellence
The NCoE has a proud record of producing elite athletes. Over the years, its athletes have won 87 medals, including 32 international medals in just the past two years. Training spans a wide range of sports — from boxing, weightlifting, fencing, and archery to gymnastics, hockey, para-archery, and para-fencing.
Dr. Bhagwat Karad praised the facility, calling it one of Maharashtra’s finest sports centers and a potential Olympic training hub. He credited the institution for its crucial role in spreading the Fit India Movement across the region.
Sports, Science, and the Future
The event demonstrated how modern sports science and athlete dedication can work hand in hand. From advanced labs to world-class training methodologies, the NCoE is positioned to be a leader in India’s sports development.
By participating directly in fitness drills, Minister Khadse not only encouraged athletes but also inspired citizens to take fitness seriously. Her leadership reflects the government’s commitment to creating a healthier, more active India.
Conclusion
National Sports Day 2025 at SAI Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar was more than a celebration. It marked a renewed identity, a vision for grassroots sports growth, and a call to every citizen to embrace fitness. With initiatives like Khelo Bharat Niti and support from sports science, India is setting the stage for future champions.
