Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur on Saturday visited Sports Authority of India’s (SAI) Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS) in Patiala and inaugurated a new 300 bedded Hostel which has cost Rs. 26.77 Cr in construction.
The ministers also inaugurated hostels dedicated to India’s legendary hockey player Major Dhyanchand and sprinter PT Usha, which have been renovated and upgraded at a total cost of 5.25 crore.
Speaking during the inauguration Shri Anurag Thakur said, “The government endeavors to provide the best possible facilities to athletes.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has always harped on the importance of keeping athletes at the center of all policies.
The launching of this 300 bedded hostel and the upgradation of the old hostels is yet another step in this direction so that athletes training at this prestigious center have improved lodging facilities.”
Shri Anurag Thakur also inaugurated a Sports Performance Analysis course, a first-time addition to the academic courses at NSNIS Patiala.
While interacting with the first batch of students of this course, Shri. Thakur said, “Inclusion of sports science and sports performance analysis is very important to assess the actual potential of an athlete, which can go a long way in improving the overall performance of India in international competitions.”
During their visit, the minister also interacted with over 400 athletes and trainees and motivated them to continue focusing on sports and to make the country proud.
He sought inputs from athletes about the facilities available to them at the center and improvements that they want in the current setup.