SAI Governing Body Approves Major Sports Infrastructure Projects Across India

Significant Infrastructure Developments for Indian Sports

New Delhi, December 22: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) Governing Body, led by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, convened in New Delhi on Monday to endorse a series of infrastructure enhancement initiatives nationwide.

Mandaviya emphasized, “The Indian sports landscape is in its formative years, and it is crucial to bolster it in every possible manner to secure a promising future. The resolutions made today are focused on athletes, ensuring they have access to top-notch facilities necessary for achieving our medal aspirations in the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.”

A notable project approved by the Governing Body includes the acquisition of Poligras Paris GT Zero hockey turf for the SAI NSSC in Bengaluru, which serves as the training base for the national men’s and women’s hockey teams, as well as the 'A' teams.

Additionally, the Governing Body sanctioned the replacement of existing electronic shooting targets with advanced laser target systems at the Karni Singh Shooting Range (KSSR), which is the training venue for India’s elite and upcoming shooters.

Moreover, the Governing Body greenlit the construction of three multipurpose halls at SAI NCOE Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (previously SAI Aurangabad), SAI NSNIS Patiala, and SAI LNCPE Trivandrum to support rigorous training and holistic athlete development.

The facility at SAI NCEO Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar will feature a specialized weather-resistant boxing training area, a strength and conditioning zone, and designated indoor spaces for volleyball and badminton. The indoor training hall at SAI NSNIS Patiala is set to enhance the facility's training capabilities, providing a modern, integrated environment for sports performance, sports science support, conditioning, and recovery.

Furthermore, LNCPE Trivandrum, recognized as India’s leading academic institution and high-performance training center, will also receive a new multipurpose hall to facilitate uninterrupted training and academic pursuits throughout the year.

The Governing Body also approved the establishment of a 400-meter, 8-lane synthetic athletics track at SAI STC Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. The committee acknowledged that SAI STC Jalpaiguri has become a pivotal center for athletics training, consistently achieving remarkable results at both regional and national competitions despite its limited infrastructure.

In addition to SAI STC Jalpaiguri, the committee also authorized the installation of a new synthetic track at SAI CRC, Bhopal, which has been instrumental in producing international-level athletes, including two Olympians.