New Delhi, 07 June (H.S.): In a major step towards strengthening India's sporting culture and expanding facilities for athletes, the government has approved the construction of an Olympic-standard synthetic athletics track at Punjab University, fulfilling a long-pending demand. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya has granted approval for the project, and groundwork is expected to begin within the next two to three months.

The decision came following a high-level meeting between the Sports Minister and a delegation of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). On Saturday evening, a delegation led by ABVP National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki met the minister and submitted a comprehensive memorandum outlining measures to strengthen the country's sports infrastructure.

The ABVP presented a series of recommendations, ranging from preparations for India's potential hosting of the 2036 Olympic Games to initiatives aimed at nurturing talent in rural areas. The Sports Minister responded positively to the proposals.

Among the key suggestions were the development of a robust national framework for Olympic preparations, the establishment of sports universities in every state, the creation of Centres of Excellence and multi-sport complexes in every district, and special talent identification drives in remote and tribal regions of the country.

The memorandum also called for comprehensive health and accident insurance coverage for athletes, the creation of a National Digital Athlete Portal, and an increase in the honorarium provided to My Bharat volunteers.

Mandaviya particularly appreciated ABVP's proposal for establishing Sports Equipment Banks in rural areas. He assured the delegation that the government would soon take positive steps to implement the initiative so that no talented athlete is left behind due to a lack of resources.

Speaking after the meeting, ABVP National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki said that India's youth represent the nation's greatest asset. He emphasized that with access to modern sports infrastructure and scientific training, India has the potential to emerge as a global sporting powerhouse. He added that sports are not merely a means of winning medals but also an effective medium for instilling discipline and fostering a spirit of nationalism among young people.

The Union Sports Minister assured the delegation that the government is already working on most of the issues highlighted in the memorandum and that the remaining suggestions would also be examined seriously, with necessary steps to be taken in the near future.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar