Bengaluru (Karnataka), India, April 17 (ANI): The Indian government’s Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, paid a two-day visit to Bengaluru. Sports Authority of India ( SAI ) Bengaluru campus to gain first-hand insights into the implementation of Government of India's sports schemes at the grassroots level, said an official statement from Sport Authority of India

This visit provided a chance to interact directly with athletes, coaches, officials, and specialists who are integral parts of India's sporting landscape.

Raksha Nikhil Khadse attended an evening banquet for distinguished athletes such as Olympians, recipients of the Dronacharya Award, and winners of the Dhyan Chand Award. The gathering included participants from senior women’s hockey teams, athletics programs, and para-athletic units. During this event, she engaged in conversations with both trainers and competitors. Athletes used this opportunity to share their individual stories, hurdles they faced, and victories achieved, providing profound perspectives on resilience and dedication which fuel their pursuit of excellence.

Khadse voiced her belief that centers like the Netaji Subhas Southern Centre are crucial in fostering talent and are certainly paving the way for a prominent future of Indian sports internationally. She highlighted the significance of offering these resources to build a solid base for Indian athletes so they can excel on global platforms.

Khadse remarked that witnessing their unwavering dedication, strict regimen, and enthusiasm for their individual sports was truly fulfilling. He added that institutions such as these are paving the way for a glorious future for Indian athletics on the global arena.

One of the main highlights of Khadse's trip was the opening ceremony for the recently built indoor kabaddi stadium. This establishment marks an important enhancement in infrastructure, designed to offer athletes top-notch training facilities. The unveiling reflects the administration’s dedication to improving sports infrastructure and fostering the growth of indigenous Indian games such as kabaddi.

Khadse engaged deeply with several foreign coaches, such as Dragan for Volleyball, Ronald for Racewalking, and Claudio for Middle and Long-Distance Running. They explored various training methods, global standards, and how these techniques could be tailored for Indian athletes. Additionally, she had conversations with prominent Indian coaches including Sahana Kumari, Olympic alum and High Jump mentor Ashwini Akkunji, sprint coach and Dhyan Chand Award recipient, along with Harish, who specializes in high-performance coaching. Such exchanges offered valuable perspectives on India’s strides towards incorporating scientifically-backed and athlete-focused training approaches. (ANI)