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Sports Minister's Surprise Airport Meet with Arunachal's Young Cricketers

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had a spontaneous and heartwarming meeting with the Arunachal Pradesh U-16 cricket team at Surat Airport, where he extended New Year greetings to the players arriving for the Vijay Merchant Trophy. The minister shared his joy from the encounter on social media, posting a video and photos with the young athletes. Separately, Mandaviya virtually inaugurated the foundation stone for a ₹75 crore state-of-the-art high-performance centre at SAI's Bengaluru complex. He emphasized that this centre, part of a "reform, perform, and transform" shift, will provide integrated, science-backed facilities to help Indian athletes excel internationally.

Key Points: Minister Meets Arunachal U-16 Team, Inaugurates Sports Centre

  • Surprise airport meeting with young cricketers
  • New Year wishes extended
  • ₹75 crore high-performance centre inaugurated
  • Shift to podium-focused sports ecosystem
2 min read

Sports Minister Mandaviya meets Arunachal Pradesh U-16 Team at Surat Airport

Sports Minister Mandaviya meets Arunachal Pradesh U-16 cricket team at Surat Airport, extends New Year wishes. Also inaugurates ₹75 crore high-performance centre in Bengaluru.

"Meeting them filled my heart with joy - Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya"

New Delhi, Jan 1

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had a heartwarming interaction with the Arunachal Pradesh U-16 cricket team at the Surat Airport on Thursday as the young players arrived to take part in the Vijay Merchant Trophy. The minister extended New Year wishes and expressed his joy after meeting the budding cricketers.

The young boys from Arunachal Pradesh have come to Surat to play the Vijay Merchant Trophy match. The Union Minister felt heartfelt after meeting the young boys and also extended New Year wishes to everyone.

The Sports Minister shared a video of his meeting with the U-16 boys at the airport. The young cricket players also enjoyed the meeting and took photos with Mansukh Mandaviya, who also posed for a group picture.

The minister wrote, "I had a sudden meeting at Surat Airport with the U-16 team from Arunachal Pradesh that came to play the Vijay Merchant Trophy. Meeting them filled my heart with joy; I extended New Year wishes to everyone."

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently virtually inaugurated the foundation stone laying ceremony for a state-of-the-art high-performance centre at the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) Netaji Subhas Southern Centre, Bengaluru.

The proposed High Performance Centre, with a total project cost of Rs 75 crore, will significantly strengthen India's elite athlete preparation ecosystem by providing integrated, world-class sports science and support facilities under one roof.

The virtual ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, SAI, and HAL, alongside eminent sportspersons, coaches, and sports science experts.

Addressing the gathering virtually, Mandaviya emphasised that the centre reflects India's shift from a participation-oriented approach to a podium-focused, high-performance sporting nation. He noted that under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the mantra of "reform, perform, and transform" is bringing a paradigm shift to India's sports ecosystem.

"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 minister said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the gesture is nice, I hope this isn't just for a photo-op. Real support means consistent investment in sports infrastructure across all states, especially in regions like Arunachal. The new high-performance centre in Bangalore is a good step, but we need more such facilities in the Northeast itself.
R
Rohit P
Cricket talent is everywhere in India! Jai Hind! Seeing our ministers connect with players from the farthest corners of the country shows true unity. The 'reform, perform, transform' vision for sports is the need of the hour. More power to these young boys!
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows sports development, the ₹75 crore high-performance centre is a significant investment. Integrating sports science is crucial. I hope the focus on "podium finishes" doesn't create undue pressure on young athletes though. The journey and participation are equally important.
V
Vikram M
Bahut badhiya! These small moments of recognition can inspire a whole generation. From a chance meeting at an airport to a world-class training centre – this shows the government's commitment to sports. May we produce many champions from Arunachal Pradesh and every other state.
K
Kavya N
Heartening news to start the New Year! 🙏 It's important that our sporting ecosystem becomes inclusive. The boys must have been thrilled. Now, the challenge is to ensure the pipeline from such junior tournaments to national teams is strong and fair for everyone, regardless of which state they come from.

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