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Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Meets Future Olympians in Kodagu

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the SAI Training Centre in Madikeri and interacted with women hockey players from the Kodava community. He highlighted the Kodava community’s significant role in promoting field hockey, with over 50 players representing India internationally. Mandaviya emphasized the government’s commitment to developing a comprehensive sports ecosystem, including hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad. The SAI Madikeri centre, spread over 5.49 acres, serves as a feeder centre for National Centres of Excellence and trains around 50 Kodava girls.

Key Points: Mandaviya Meets Future Olympians at SAI Madikeri

  • Sports Minister visits SAI Madikeri Centre
  • Interacts with Kodava women hockey players
  • Highlights Kodava community’s contribution to Indian hockey
  • Discusses 360-degree sports ecosystem and 2030 Commonwealth Games
2 min read

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya meets "future Olympians in the making" at SAI Madikeri Centre

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited SAI Madikeri Centre, interacted with women hockey players from Kodava community, and discussed India’s sports ecosystem and 2030 Commonwealth Games.

"Future Olympians in the making! Met with the rising stars of Indian Hockey from the SAI Training Centre (STC), Madikeri, Karnataka. - Mansukh Mandaviya"

Madikeri, May 2

Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya visited the Sports Authority of India's Training Centre in Madikeri and interacted with women hockey players from the Kodava community on the conclusion of the month-long hockey festival here on Saturday, emphasising the role of nurturing talent from different parts of the nation in fulfilling India's aspirations to become a global sports powerhouse.

The Sports Minister highlighted the role played by the Kodava community in the promotion of field hockey. The Kodagu district, the home of the Kodavas, is hailed as one of the cradles of Indian hockey. More than 50 players from the community have represented India in international tournaments, out of which seven players have also participated in the Summer Olympics, including the likes of P Govinda, MP Ganesh, MM Somaiya and CS Poonacha.

"Future Olympians in the making! Met with the rising stars of Indian Hockey from the SAI Training Centre (STC), Madikeri, Karnataka," Mandaviya said in an X post.

Mandaviya said that the Union Government is doing everything possible to develop a 360-degree sports ecosystem, and hosting mega events like the Commonwealth Games in 2030 in Ahmedabad is a step in the right direction. He also added that with a rich talent pool, there is no stopping India from dominating the planet in sports.

"Taking inspiration from our Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, the Sports Ministry is committed to nurturing the wide talent pool available across various parts of the nation. Unearthing and nurturing talent from different parts of the country can only ensure that we fulfil the dream of Modi ji. The bigger the talent pool, more the chances of us performing better in big ticket events. I am confident that both Indian men and women will register solid performance in the Commonwealth Games in 2030, where hockey is likely to make a return," Mandaviya said later.

The SAI Training Centre (STC) in Madikeri is spread across 5.49 acres and situated in the hill station region of Kodagu District at an altitude of approximately 1100 meters above sea level. It serves as a feeder centre for the 22 National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) spread across the sub-continent. The centre houses an artificial hockey turf, a 60-bedded hostel, a dining hall and a kitchen. Around 50 girls from the Kodava community train for various hockey events organised throughout Karnataka.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

J
James A
Impressive infrastructure at 1100m altitude—that's perfect for endurance training. I wonder how many more such STCs we need to really compete with Australia or Netherlands in hockey. Promising start though.
V
Vikram M
As a Kodava myself, this makes me proud. Our community breathes hockey—my grandfather played for the state team. But we need more than just one SAI centre. Madikeri has talent but what about rural areas? Hope the government's '360-degree ecosystem' includes proper coaching and equipment for village girls too. 🙏
A
Ananya R
Finally some attention to women's hockey! The Kodava women players have always been fierce but underfunded. Let's hope the minister's visit translates into real scholarships and sustained support, not just a photo op. The 2030 target is ambitious—hope we back it with consistent investment.
M
Michael C
Hosting CWG 2030 in Ahmedabad alongside building grassroots programs? That's smart long-term planning. India has the population, now we need the system. Let's see if the 50 girls from Kodagu become the 2030 Olympic heroes. 🇮🇳🏑
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Rohit P
I hope the minister also looked at the hostel conditions and nutrition for these girls. 60 beds for 50 girls is okay, but what about proper diet plans, physiotherapy, and mental health support? Talent alone won't win medals—holistic care will. 🤔

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