Union Minister Reviews Progress at National Sports University and SAI Centre in Imphal
Minister's Visit to National Sports University
On Monday, Raksha Khadse, the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, visited the National Sports University (NSU) in Imphal. Her visit focused on assessing the development of the university's permanent campus and engaging with athletes, students, coaches, and officials linked to this leading sports education institution.
Exploring the Sports Ecosystem
As part of her review of the regional sports ecosystem, Khadse also toured the Sports Authority of India (SAI) National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in Imphal. She was accompanied by key officials, including Daljit Singh Chawdhary, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, and N Praveen Singh, Secretary of Sports for the Government of Manipur.
Engagement with Athletes
In the early hours, Khadse participated in training sessions with athletes, engaging in fitness and conditioning activities. She closely observed their warm-up drills, endurance training, and sport-specific practices, commending their dedication and urging them to aim for excellence on international stages.
Reviewing NSU's Permanent Campus
During her visit to the NSU's permanent campus located at Koutruk in Imphal West, Khadse conducted a thorough review of the ongoing construction and infrastructure projects. The campus, which spans nearly 325 acres, is approximately 95% complete. She assessed key facilities, including the administrative block, academic complexes with smart classrooms, a library, an auditorium, and sports science facilities, as well as residential hostels for around 1,300 students and 60 faculty members.
A Vision for the Future of Indian Sports
Khadse highlighted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India is experiencing significant investments in sports infrastructure and athlete development. She expressed confidence that the National Sports University will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian sports, fostering a robust ecosystem driven by research and innovation.
Assessment of SAI National Centre of Excellence
Later, the Minister visited the SAI National Centre of Excellence in Imphal, where she evaluated the support systems and sports science facilities available for elite athletes and emerging talents from the North-East. She interacted with athletes and coaches while reviewing facilities related to physiotherapy, nutrition, and strength training.
Commitment to Sports Development
This visit underscores the Government of India's ongoing commitment to enhancing sports education and high-performance training as the nation aspires to become a global leader in sports.