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In a momentous visit to the Sports Authority of India Regional Centre in Bengaluru, Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, declared that Bengaluru is poised to become the Sports Hub of India. The minister, engaged in a My Bharat dialogue with youth and eminent sports personalities, expressed admiration for the city's passion for sports and acknowledged the crucial role of veteran athletes in shaping the nation's sporting landscape.
Shri Thakur emphasized Bengaluru's potential as a sports powerhouse, attributing it to favorable weather conditions and top-notch sports infrastructure. He commended veteran athletes for their proactive initiatives, including the establishment of academies, participation in training camps, and passing on valuable knowledge. The minister urged athletes to register on the My Bharat Portal, actively engage in volunteer activities, share initiatives on social media, and inspire others through their stories.
Highlighting the Khelo India program, Shri Thakur spoke about the recently concluded Khelo India Para Games, where 3000 athletes, coaches, and support staff participated. He announced that the upcoming Khelo India Youth Games would take place in Tamil Nadu, involving participants from across the country. The Khelo India initiative aims to identify and nurture talent, providing support through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme.
The minister inaugurated two newly constructed hostel buildings, a 330-bedded facility for women funded by the National Sports Development Fund, and a 300-bedded hostel for men under the Khelo India Scheme. Additionally, a state-of-the-art synthetic athletics track, funded under Khelo India, was unveiled, featuring 400m, 8-lane lanes, and innovative timing gates technology.
Eminent sports personalities, including Ms. Ashwini Nachappa and Sh. S. D. Eshan graced the inauguration session. Shri Thakur, as part of the My Bharat dialogue, addressed a gathering of 1100, including youth from NYKS, SAI officers, and medalists from the Asian Games.
Later, the minister felicitated eminent sports personalities and medalists from the Asian and Para Asian Games, acknowledging India's triumph with 107 medals in the Asian Games and 111 in the Para Games. He applauded the significant role of SAI Bengaluru in contributing to India's success at the Asian Games, securing 14 out of 29 medals in Athletics, Gold in Kabaddi Men, Gold in Hockey Men, Bronze in Hockey Women, Bronze in Women's Doubles Table Tennis, and substantial contributions in Para Athletics.
During his stay at SAI Bengaluru, the minister toured facilities and interacted with athletes, coaches, sports scientists, and supporting staff. He also shared a meal with the athletes, reinforcing the government's commitment to promoting sports and nurturing talent in India.
The visit marked a crucial moment for SAI Bengaluru, with enhanced residential capacity and the addition of a new synthetic athletic track, aligning with the city's aspirations to become India's Sports Hub.
