Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on Tuesday, virtually laid the foundation stones for six major sports infrastructure projects and inaugurated two athlete-support facilities, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem. The total investment for the projects stands at ₹120 crore, with the six infrastructure projects alone costing ₹82 crore. These are being implemented under the Khelo India Scheme with additional support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

The infrastructure projects include the upgradation of a synthetic hockey turf in Bengaluru, the construction of a multi-purpose hall in Patiala, the installation of synthetic athletic tracks in Bhopal, Guwahati, and Jalpaiguri, and the development of a multi-purpose judo hall in Bhopal. Mandaviya stressed that while several sports facilities are being built nationwide, SAI-managed assets must be properly maintained, optimally used, and commercially leveraged to ensure long-term value from public investment.

The newly inaugurated athlete-support facilities include a centralised kitchen and dining hall to enhance nutrition services, along with a state-of-the-art Integrated Sports Science Centre and Conditioning Hall. Highlighting the professional nature of modern sports, Mandaviya said stronger systems are needed to identify and nurture talent from grassroots to elite levels.

Sports continues to be a focus area for the government, with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports receiving a 10.23 per cent budget increase in the last Union Budget. India’s sports push aligns with its plans to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and bid for the 2036 Olympics.