SAI Announces Major Infrastructure Upgrades: 'Medal Counts That We Have In Mind For CWG And Olympics Are Met'

Last Updated:December 22, 2025, 20:24 IST

SAI approved new sports infrastructure including Poligras Paris GT Zero turf in Bengaluru, synthetic tracks in West Bengal and Bhopal, and upgrades at KSSR and NCOEs.

The minister detailed the three core pillars of the Sports Bill: the Government, the Federations, and the Athletes. File pic/PTI

The Governing Body of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Monday approved several infrastructure upgrade projects nationwide, including the installation of an eight-lane synthetic athletics track in West Bengal and a climate-neutral hockey turf at its Bengaluru centre.

The SAI’s Governing Body meeting was chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

“The Indian sports ecosystem is now in its youth, and it is the need of the hour to strengthen it in every possible way so that it has a bright future," Mandaviya stated in his address to the SAI Governing Body.

“The decisions we are taking today are athlete-centric and aimed at ensuring that players have the best infrastructure that they need so that the medal counts that we have in mind for CWG and Olympics are met," he added.

What’s New?

One of the key projects recommended by the Governing Body is the procurement of Poligras Paris GT Zero hockey turf for SAI Bengaluru, which serves as the training hub for both the Indian men’s and women’s national and ‘A’ hockey teams.

The Poligras Paris GT Zero hockey turf is certified by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and is designed to reduce friction and water requirements.

The turf ensures “consistent ball roll" even without heavy watering, conserving this scarce resource.

The Governing Body also agreed to replace the existing electronic shooting targets with laser target systems at the Karni Singh Shooting Range (KSSR), an international venue and training base.

“In addition, the GB also approved the construction of three multipurpose halls at SAI NCOE (National Centre of Excellence) Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly SAI Aurangabad), SAI Patiala, and SAI Trivandrum to facilitate intensive training and comprehensive athlete development," the Sports Ministry stated in a press release.

The facility at SAI NCOE Sambhajinagar will feature a dedicated weather-proof boxing training zone, a strength and conditioning area, and designated indoor spaces for volleyball and badminton.

The Governing Body also approved the construction of a 400-metre, eight-lane synthetic athletics track at SAI Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.

“The committee noted that SAI STC Jalpaiguri has emerged as a key centre for athletics training and, despite limited infrastructure, has consistently delivered commendable performances at both regional and national levels," the ministry said.

Additionally, the committee approved the installation of a new synthetic track at SAI Bhopal.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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