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SAI Governing Body Approves Major Infrastructure Projects, Mandaviya Stresses Athlete-Centric Approach

The Sports Authority of India just greenlit a bunch of cool upgrades for training centers across the country. They're getting a new high-tech hockey turf in Bengaluru and modern laser targets for shooters in Delhi. Plus, they're building new multipurpose halls and synthetic running tracks in several other cities. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya says all these moves are focused on giving athletes the best tools

Key Points: SAI Greenlights Hockey Turf, Shooting Range Upgrades, New Training Halls

  • SAI GB approves Poligras Paris GT Zero hockey turf for NSSC Bengaluru
  • GB agrees to upgrade Karni Singh Shooting Range with laser target systems
  • Three new multipurpose halls approved for training centres in Sambhajinagar, Patiala, and Trivandrum
  • New synthetic athletics tracks approved for SAI centres in Jalpaiguri and Bhopal
  • Minister Mandaviya states decisions are athlete-centric to boost Olympic and CWG medal prospects
  • Projects aim to provide year-round, modern training facilities for national athletes
3 min read

SAI Governing Body approves multiple infrastructure development, upgradation projects as Sports Minister stresses athlete-centric decisions

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chairs SAI GB meeting, approves key projects including Poligras turf for Bengaluru and laser targets for Karni Singh Range.

"The Indian sports ecosystem is now in its youth, and it is the need of the hour to strengthen it in every possible way so that it has a bright future. The decisions we are taking today are athlete-centric and aimed at ensuring that players have the best infrastructure that they need so that the medal counts that we have in mind for CWG, Olympics are met. - Mansukh Mandaviya / Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports"

New Delhi, December 22

The Governing Body (GB) of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), chaired by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, approved a wide range of infrastructure development and upgradation projects across the country at a meeting held in New Delhi on Monday.

"The Indian sports ecosystem is now in its youth, and it is the need of the hour to strengthen it in every possible way so that it has a bright future. The decisions we are taking today are athlete-centric and aimed at ensuring that players have the best infrastructure that they need so that the medal counts that we have in mind for CWG. Olympics are met," Mandaviya said in his address to the SAI Governing Body.

One of the key projects recommended by the GB is the procurement of Poligras Paris GT Zero hockey turf for SAI NSSC, Bengaluru, which serves as the training hub for the Indian men's and women's national and 'A' hockey teams.

The Governing Body also agreed to replace the existing electronic shooting targets with laser target systems at the Karni Singh Shooting Range (KSSR), the training ground of India's elite and emerging shooters.

In addition to these key decisions, the Governing Body also approved the construction of three multipurpose halls at SAI NCOE Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly SAI Aurangabad), SAI NSNIS Patiala, and SAI LNCPE Trivandrum to facilitate intensive training and comprehensive athlete development.

The facility at SAI NCEO Chatrapati Sambhajinagar will house a dedicated weather-proof boxing training zone, strength & conditioning area and designated indoor spaces for volleyball and badminton, whereas the indoor training hall at SAI NSNIS Patiala is expected to enhance the indoor training capacity of the facility and provide a modern, integrated ecosystem for sports performance, sports science support, conditioning and recovery.

India's premier academic institution and high-performance training centre, LNCPE Trivandrum, has also been given a new multipurpose hall to ensure uninterrupted year-round training and academic activities.

The GB also approved the construction of a 400-metre, 8-lane synthetic athletics track at SAI STC Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. The committee noted that SAI STC Jalpaiguri has emerged as a key centre for athletics training and, despite limited infrastructure, has consistently delivered commendable performances at both regional and national levels.

Besides SAI STC Jalpaiguri, the committee also approved the laying of a new synthetic track in SAI CRC, Bhopal. The centre, which has athletes of multiple sporting disciplines training in it, has consistently produced international-level athletes, including two Olympians.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows sports closely, I'm pleased to see the focus on regional centres like Jalpaiguri and Bhopal. Talent is everywhere in India, not just in the metros. Developing infrastructure in these hubs is crucial for long-term success.
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Priyanka N
Good news, but the proof will be in the pudding. We've heard about athlete-centric policies before. The key is timely completion and ensuring these facilities are maintained properly and accessible to the athletes who need them most.
R
Rohit P
The multipurpose halls are a smart move. Our athletes need all-weather training facilities to prepare consistently. Monsoon shouldn't mean a break in training. Hope they also invest in top-notch coaches and sports science alongside the bricks and mortar.
A
Aman W
This is the kind of investment that pays off. Better infrastructure directly translates to better performance. Our hockey teams and shooters have shown great promise; giving them world-class facilities will help them win more medals for the country. Jai Hind!
K
Kriti O
While I welcome the focus on infrastructure, I hope equal attention is given to grassroots development and identifying talent in schools and colleges. The pipeline is as important as the high-performance centres. Let's build a strong foundation.

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