Bengaluru, 23 DEC 2023: Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, expressed his vision for Bengaluru to become the Sports Hub of India, citing favorable weather conditions and top-notch sports infrastructure. The Minister, during his visit to the Sports Authority of India, Regional Centre Bengaluru, engaged in a My Bharat dialogue with youth and prominent sports personalities.
Acknowledging the city’s vibrant sports culture, Minister Thakur commended veteran athletes for proactively establishing their academies, passing on knowledge, and contributing significantly to India’s new dominance in sports.
Encouraging active participation, Shri Thakur emphasized registering on the My Bharat Portal, engaging in volunteer activities, utilizing social media to share positive initiatives, and motivating others to benefit from the My Bharat initiative. He urged athletes to share their inspiring stories on social media, contributing to the influence on youth across the country.
Highlighting the success of the Khelo India program, particularly the recently concluded Khelo India Para Games with 3000 participants, Shri Thakur announced the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games to be held in Tamil Nadu, featuring participants from all over the country. Khelo India aims to identify, nurture, and support talented athletes through schemes like the Target Olympic Podium, contributing to the vision of a developed India – Viksit Bharat.
The Minister inaugurated two newly constructed hostel buildings, a 330-bed facility for women funded by the National Sports Development Fund, and a 300-bed hostel for men under the Khelo India Scheme. Additionally, a state-of-the-art 400m Synthetic Athletics Track, funded under Khelo India, was inaugurated.
The 330-bed hostel for women, with a project cost of Rs. 28.72 Crores, provides modern amenities and contributes to the residential capacity for female athletes. The 300-bed hostel for men, costing Rs. 26.77 Crores, features modern amenities across four floors on an approximate one-acre site.
The Synthetic Athletics Track, costing Rs. 13.86 Crores, includes a 400m, 8-lane track, two additional straight lanes with grass infield, and unique features like timing gates technology. The facilities’ inauguration marks a pivotal moment for the SAI Centre, increasing residential capacity to 1245 and adding a new synthetic athletic track.
Eminent sports personalities, including Ms. Ashwini Nachappa and Sh. S D Eshan, graced the inaugural session. As part of the My Bharat dialogue, Shri Thakur addressed a gathering of 1100, including youth associated with NYKS, SAI officers, eminent sportspersons, and medalists from Asian Games.
The Minister later felicitated eminent sports personalities and the medalists of Asian and Para Asian Games, celebrating India’s success with 107 medals in the Asian Games and 111 in Para Games. Minister Thakur appreciated SAI Bengaluru’s significant contribution to India’s success at the Asian Games.
During his visit, the Minister stayed at SAI Bengaluru, toured facilities, interacted with athletes, coaches, sports scientists, and supporting staff, emphasizing the city’s potential to become the Sports Hub of India.
