The proposed High Performance Centre will bring together a wide range of advanced sports science facilities under one roof. These include sports medicine, strength and conditioning units, rehabilitation and recovery centres, biomechanics laboratories, sports physiology, psychology, nutrition services, performance analytics, and hydrotherapy facilities.
Officials said the integrated setup will enable a holistic, data-driven approach to athlete preparation, ensuring that training, recovery, and injury prevention are guided by modern scientific methods. The centre is designed to support elite athletes across disciplines and help bridge the gap between national-level success and global podium finishes.
From Participation to Podium: Minister’s Vision
Addressing the gathering virtually, Dr Mandaviya said the High Performance Centre reflects India’s transition from a participation-oriented sports culture to a podium-focused high-performance nation. He noted that the government’s sustained focus on reforms is reshaping the country’s sporting landscape.
“This High Performance Centre will ensure that training and recovery are guided by science and technology, enabling our athletes to compete and excel at the highest international level,” the Union Minister said. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the guiding principle of “reform, perform and transform” is driving a paradigm shift in Indian sports.
HAL’s CSR Role in Nation-Building Through Sports
Dr Mandaviya lauded Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for its substantial CSR contribution, calling the initiative a powerful example of public sector enterprises supporting nation-building beyond their core sectors. “An organisation that contributes to national defence is now contributing to India’s sporting excellence,” he remarked.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr D K Sunil, who also addressed the ceremony, expressed pride in partnering with the Sports Authority of India. He said the company’s support aligns with India’s long-term vision of becoming a global sporting power.
SAI NSSC Bengaluru: A Premier Sporting Hub
The Union Minister highlighted the legacy of SAI’s Netaji Subhas Southern Centre in Bengaluru, which has emerged as one of the country’s most important sports training hubs. The centre currently hosts several National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), national coaching camps, and elite athlete development programmes across multiple disciplines.
With the addition of the High Performance Centre, officials believe SAI NSSC Bengaluru will further consolidate its position as a nucleus for high-performance sports in India.
Aligned with India’s Global Sporting Ambitions
The High Performance Centre is expected to support India’s preparations for major international sporting events and aligns with the country’s long-term ambitions, including aspirations to host the 2036 Olympic Games. Experts say such infrastructure is essential for sustaining elite performance and nurturing future champions.
The programme began with a welcome address by Vishnu Kant Tiwari, Secretary, Sports Authority of India. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Hari Ranjan Rao, Secretary (Sports) and Director General, SAI. Senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI, and HAL, along with eminent sportspersons, coaches, and sports science experts, attended the virtual ceremony.