Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur visits SAI’s Patiala and Sonipat Centres, inaugurates multiple infrastructure projects worth 85 crores
New Delhi: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur on Saturday visited Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala and inaugurated a new 300 bedded Hostel which has cost Rs. 26.77 Cr in construction.
The ministers also inaugurated hostels dedicated to India’s legendary hockey player Major Dhyanchand and sprinter PT Usha, which have been renovated and upgraded at a total cost of 5.25 crore.
Speaking during the inauguration Shri Thakur said, “It is the endeavour of the government to provide the best possible facilities to athletes. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has always harped on the importance of keeping athletes at the centre of all policies. The launching of this 300 bedded hostel and the upgradation of the old hostels is yet another step in this direction so that athletes training at this prestigious centre have improved lodging facilities.”
Shri Thakur also inaugurated a Sports Performance Analysis course, a first-time addition to the academic courses at NSNIS Patiala. While interacting with the first batch of students of this course, Shri. Thakur said, “Inclusion of sports science and sports performance analysis is very important to assess the actual potential of an athlete, which can go a long way in improving the overall performance of India in international competitions.”
During their visit, the minister also interacted with over 400 athletes and trainees and motivated them to continue focusing on sports and to make the country proud. He sought inputs from athletes about the facilities available to them at the centre and improvements that they want in the current set up.
Over the years SAI Patiala has produced many well-known athletes who have gone on to win many laurels for the country, including World Championships and Olympic medals.
In the year 2021, SAI Patiala athletes won a total of 72 medals across six disciplines at National Level Competitions. In the year 2022, this tally increased to 195 medals.
On the International level, SAI Patiala athletes won 19 medals in competitions such as Commonwealth Championships, European Open & Junior World Championships among others.
Later in the day, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur along with Minster of State, Shri Nisith Pramanik visited Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) National Regional Centre (NRC) in Sonipat and the laid foundation stone for the new Integrated High-Performance Centre (HPC) which will cost approximately Rs. 48 Cr.
During their visits, the ministers also inaugurated the new refurbished synthetic Hockey Field, which has cost approximately Rs 5 Cr to refurbish and upgraded.