Bengaluru, with its promising weather conditions and cutting-edge sports infrastructure, is set to become the Sports Hub of India, according to Union Minister Shri Anurag Singh Thakur. In a recent announcement, the minister highlighted the city’s potential to lead the nation in the field of sports.
Minister Anurag Singh Thakur commended the region’s fervor for sports and athletics, praising veteran athletes for taking proactive steps such as establishing their own academies. He acknowledged their role in passing on knowledge, participating in training and assessment camps, and making valuable contributions that have propelled India to new heights in the world of sports.
“Emphasizing the importance of community engagement, Minister Anurag Singh Thakur urged individuals to register on the My Bharat Portal. He encouraged participation in volunteer activities, utilizing the platform to connect with the community and share positive initiatives on social media. Athletes were specifically urged to showcase their inspiring stories on social media as part of the My Bharat initiative to influence youth across the country”.
The minister provided insights into the Khelo India program, highlighting 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 be held in Tamil Nadu, drawing participants from all corners of the country. Khelo India, as a comprehensive scheme, aims to identify and nurture talent, providing support through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, contributing to the vision of a developed India – Viksit Bharat.
During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Anurag Singh Thakur unveiled two newly constructed hostel buildings and a 400m synthetic athletics track at the Sports Authority of India Regional Centre in Bengaluru. The 330-bedded hostel for women, funded by the National Sports Development Fund, and the 300-bedded hostel for men under the Khelo India Scheme, add significant residential capacity for athletes.
“The synthetic athletics track, funded under Khelo India with a project cost of Rs. 13.86 Crores, features a state-of-the-art 400m, 8-lane track with an additional two lanes straight, grass infield, and IAAF certification for Class-1, Category-5. The track includes unique features such as timing gates technology integrated beneath the surface, 500m clay track, and 100m sand track for high-performance training”.
The inauguration of these facilities marks a crucial moment for the SAI Centre in Bengaluru, increasing residential capacity to 1245 and introducing a modern synthetic athletic track.
Eminent sports personalities, including Ms. Ashwini Nachappa, Sh. S.D. Eshan, and others, graced the inaugural session. Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, as part of the My Bharat dialogue, addressed a gathering of 1100, including youth associated with NYKS, SAI officers, eminent sportspersons, and medalists from the Asian Games.
