New Delhi, 3 February 2026 – Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today virtually laid the foundation for six major sports infrastructure projects and inaugurated two athlete support facilities with a total investment of ₹120 crore.

These initiatives mark a significant step toward strengthening India’s sports ecosystem and reflect the government’s commitment to developing world-class, athlete-centric infrastructure across the country.

Under the Khelo India program, the six projects being laid today will be implemented at a cost of ₹82 crore, with additional support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). These projects are geographically spread across India, including the North-Eastern and Eastern regions, ensuring balanced and inclusive sports development.

Key projects include:

• Upgradation of synthetic hockey turf in Bengaluru
• Construction of a multi-purpose hall in Patiala
• Laying of synthetic athletic tracks in Bhopal, Guwahati, and Jalpaiguri
• Construction of a multi-purpose Judo hall in Bhopal

Alongside the foundation laying, Dr. Mandaviya inaugurated two completed athlete support facilities at NS NIS, Patiala, with a total investment of ₹38 crore. These include a centralized kitchen and dining hall to enhance athlete nutrition services, and a state-of-the-art integrated sports science and conditioning center for scientific training, performance analysis, rehabilitation, and recovery.

Highlighting the importance of asset management, Dr. Mandaviya said, “While many sports infrastructure projects are being developed nationwide, facilities under SAI’s supervision are our direct responsibility. Proper maintenance, optimal utilization, and where possible, commercial benefits must be ensured to create long-term value from public investment.”

The minister emphasized accountability and timely completion, stating that these projects will undergo continuous monitoring through monthly SAI-level reviews and quarterly personal reviews by him to ensure accelerated progress and optimal usage of developed infrastructure for athletes.

Dr. Mandaviya also underlined India’s evolving sports landscape, stating, “Sports is now a profession, making talent identification and nurturing essential. The government must create systems and opportunities enabling young talent to progress from grassroots to the elite level.”

He added that ₹500 crore has been allocated for sports equipment manufacturing, boosting domestic production and supporting a self-reliant, globally competitive sports ecosystem.

“These infrastructure developments aim to inspire athletes nationwide to strengthen India’s high-performance sports ecosystem and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s long-term sports goals,” Dr. Mandaviya concluded.