Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting today with senior officials from the Government of Punjab, Union Territory of Chandigarh, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre Chandigarh to discuss and strategize the development of sports infrastructure in the northern region.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s sports ecosystem, Dr. Mandaviya said, "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives like Khelo India, FIT India, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) are transforming India's sports landscape.
Our goal is to create a robust infrastructure that nurtures young talent and enables them to compete at the highest level. Sports is not just about winning medals—it instills discipline, perseverance, and national pride in our youth, shaping them into champions both on and off the field."Following the meeting, the Union Minister felicitated 30 outstanding athletes across disciplines such as kabaddi, handball, judo, boxing, kayaking, and canoeing.
These athletes, who have secured podium finishes in various national and international tournaments, including the recently concluded 38th National Games, undergo rigorous training at six SAI Training Centres (STCs), two National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and two Extension Centres under SAI RC Chandigarh.
Encouraging the athletes, Dr. Mandaviya expressed his confidence in their potential to elevate India's global sporting stature. "India is on a transformative journey towards becoming a sports superpower. By 2047, when we celebrate 100 years of independence, I envision a nation where our athletes dominate the world stage, bringing glory to the Tricolour with every performance."
Dr. Mandaviya also visited SAI RC Chandigarh to review the existing sports facilities and assess the infrastructure available for young sportspersons in the region. As the largest regional centre in North India, RC Chandigarh oversees the development of sports in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh, and Ladakh.
Currently, 152 Khelo India Centres (KICs), six Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs), and 42 Khelo India Accredited Academies (KIAAs) fall under the jurisdiction of SAI RC Chandigarh, collectively training over 2,400 aspiring athletes, both male and female.