Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a crucial meeting in Chandigarh today, bringing together senior officials from Punjab, the Union Territory of Chandigarh, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre to discuss the development of sports infrastructure in northern India. The meeting underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the sports ecosystem and nurturing young talent.
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the transformative impact of initiatives like Khelo India, FIT India, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), emphasizing that sports is about more than just medals. “It instills discipline, perseverance, and national pride in our youth, shaping them into champions both on and off the field,” he remarked. With a strong vision for the future, he reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring athletes have access to world-class facilities that will help them excel on the global stage.
After the meeting, Dr. Mandaviya honored 30 outstanding athletes from various disciplines, including kabaddi, handball, judo, boxing, kayaking, and canoeing. These athletes, who have made the nation proud with their performances at national and international tournaments—including the recent 38th National Games—train at SAI’s regional training centers across northern India. Their dedication and success stand as a testament to India’s growing sporting prowess.
During his visit to SAI RC Chandigarh, the minister took stock of the existing sports infrastructure and assessed how it could be further strengthened to support young athletes. As the largest regional sports hub in North India, the Chandigarh centre plays a pivotal role in overseeing sports development in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh, and Ladakh.
With 152 Khelo India Centres, six Khelo India State Centres of Excellence, and 42 Khelo India Accredited Academies operating under its jurisdiction, the Chandigarh regional centre is currently training over 2,400 aspiring athletes. The government’s continued investment in these programs signals a bright future for Indian sports, paving the way for a generation of athletes ready to bring glory to the nation.
Dr. Mandaviya expressed confidence in India’s journey toward becoming a global sports powerhouse. “By 2047, as we mark 100 years of independence, I envision a nation where Indian athletes dominate the world stage, bringing pride to the Tricolour with every performance,” he said. His words reflected the immense potential of India’s sporting talent and the collective ambition to see them succeed at the highest level.
