New Delhi, 03 May (H.S.): Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya visited the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre in Madikeri, Karnataka, where he interacted with young hockey players. He emphasized the importance of identifying and nurturing talent from across the country to position India as a sports superpower.

Mandaviya particularly engaged with women hockey players from the Kodava community, praising their talent. He noted that Kodagu district has been one of the strongholds of Indian hockey. Numerous players from this community have represented the nation internationally and participated in the Olympics.

The Sports Minister stated that a comprehensive and robust framework for sports is being developed across the country, with priority on advancing talent from the grassroots level. He expressed confidence that India lacks no talent and, with focused efforts, can establish a strong global presence in sports.

He added that the government is taking every possible step to strengthen the sports ecosystem. Hosting major sporting events is a key initiative in this direction. Mandaviya expressed hope that the Indian men's and women's hockey teams will deliver outstanding performances at the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

The SAI Training Centre in Madikeri is equipped with modern facilities and provides high-level training to young athletes. It plays a crucial role in preparing talent for various National Centres of Excellence across the country.

Encouraging the players, Mandaviya remarked that these young athletes have the potential to bring glory to India in the future and elevate the nation to new heights on the international stage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar