Union Minister of State Raksha Khadse Visits SAI Regional Centre in Kolkata to Review Sports Development

Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mrs. Raksha Khadse, visited the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Regional Centre located in Salt Lake, Kolkata. During the visit, she conducted a detailed assessment of the sports infrastructure, facilities for athlete development, and the existing support systems.

After offering floral tributes at the statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Mrs. Khadse inspected the hockey field as well as the indoor facilities for gymnastics and table tennis. She interacted with the trainees and coaches present at the center, seeking feedback regarding their training, facilities, and competition-related requirements. Additionally, she visited the archery grounds and athletics facilities.

While inspecting the sports science department, the Minister reviewed the role of scientific support in athlete conditioning, recovery, and performance improvement. She was accompanied by Mr. Sibanand Mishra, Regional Director of SAI Kolkata, Olympian Mrs. Soma Biswas, Mrs. Poulami Ghatak, and Mr. Dev Kumar Chatterjee, Regional Director of My Bharat, along with other senior officials. Mrs. Khadse emphasized the importance of quality coaching, regular competition, nutrition, and rehabilitation support.

During the visit, the Minister also inspected the new 300-bed 'Khelo India' hostel. Following the survey of the facilities, she held a review meeting with SAI officials to discuss athlete development, infrastructure, and the coaching system. She assured that SAI would continue to support the strengthening of sporting opportunities at the grassroots level and create better pathways for young athletes to reach high-level competitions.

Mrs. Raksha Khadse stated that the rich sports culture and talent of West Bengal could be further strengthened through quality infrastructure, scientific training, and improved coaching.

Notably, this Eastern Regional Centre of SAI serves as a major hub for the implementation and monitoring of SAI schemes across West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Tripura, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The center features hockey, football, and archery fields, a 400-meter synthetic athletics track, a swimming pool, basketball and volleyball courts, and a specialized sports science center.