Indian sports ecosystem took a decisive step forward on December 22, 2025, when the Governing Body of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) cleared a wide-ranging set of infrastructure and technology upgrades across multiple national centers.
Chaired by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya, the meeting reflected a clear shift in philosophy from piecemeal facility upgrades to a long-term, athlete-centric vision aimed at global competitiveness, sustainability, and scientific integration.
At the core of these approvals is a recognition that Indian sport is still structurally “young” and must invest aggressively to match international standards ahead of future Olympic and Commonwealth Games cycles. The projects sanctioned span hockey, shooting, athletics, and multidisciplinary training environments, creating a layered ecosystem where infrastructure, sports science, and environmental responsibility intersect.
One of the most significant approvals is the installation of the Poligras Paris GT Zero hockey turf at the SAI National Sports Science Centre (NSSC) in Bengaluru the primary training base for India’s men’s, women’s, and ‘A’ hockey teams. This turf is not merely an upgrade but a statement of intent. The Paris GT Zero is the world’s first carbon-zero hockey surface and was used at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. By adopting the same surface, India ensures that its national teams train on conditions identical to those encountered at the highest level of international competition .
The turf’s environmental credentials are as important as its performance characteristics. Around 80 percent of its fibre is derived from bio-based polyethylene sourced from sustainably farmed sugarcane, replacing fossil-fuel-based materials. Manufactured using 100 percent green energy, each field installation saves an estimated 73 tonnes of CO₂. Crucially, this carbon-neutral status is achieved through production efficiency rather than offsetting, aligning with India’s broader sustainability goals.
From a performance standpoint, the turf’s Turf Glide technology reduces friction while maintaining fast ball roll, directly supporting the International Hockey Federation’s push toward “dry hockey” by 2028. Water usage is drastically reduced requiring just about 6,000 litres per full-field irrigation a critical advantage in water-stressed urban centres like Bengaluru. In suitable climatic conditions, the surface can even perform at Olympic standards without irrigation, offering long-term operational savings.
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Equally transformative is the decision to modernise shooting infrastructure at the Karni Singh Shooting Range (KSSR) in New Delhi. The replacement of ageing acoustic electronic targets, originally installed for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, with modern laser-based target systems brings India in line with evolving global training standards. Unlike sound-based systems that rely on mechanical belts and consumables, laser targets offer optical precision, lower maintenance, and instantaneous feedback.
For shooters operating at the margins of excellence, these gains are critical. Laser systems enable high-volume training, including dry-fire practice, without the cost and wear associated with live ammunition. They also enhance safety and allow real-time digital integration for broadcasting and analysis a necessary upgrade for an international venue that regularly hosts elite competitions.
Beyond elite sport-specific upgrades, SAI has also approved the construction of three new multipurpose halls at National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Patiala, and Thiruvananthapuram. These facilities are designed as integrated high-performance hubs where training, strength and conditioning, recovery, and sports science coexist under one roof.
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At Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the focus is on weather-proof training for boxing and other indoor disciplines, addressing disruptions caused by extreme heat and monsoons. The hall will also support fencing, gymnastics, badminton, and volleyball, maximising year-round usage. In Patiala, Asia’s largest sports institute, the new hall will strengthen the link between training and sports science, allowing up to 150 athletes to access conditioning, diagnostics, and recovery facilities simultaneously. At LNCPE Trivandrum, the hall ensures continuity between academic instruction and elite training, reinforcing the institute’s dual role as an educational and high-performance centre .
Regional balance is another defining theme of the December approvals. A new 400m synthetic athletics track at SAI STC Jalpaiguri rewards a centre that has consistently produced strong results despite limited infrastructure. For junior athletes aged 10–18, training on a professional surface will significantly improve performance continuity, especially during the rainy season. Meanwhile, a new synthetic track at the Central Regional Centre in Bhopal forms part of a larger ₹1,300 crore redevelopment plan, ensuring that one of India’s most successful training hubs remains future-ready .
These infrastructure decisions are backed by a notable budgetary commitment. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports allocation for 2025–26 has risen to ₹3,794.30 crore, with major increases for the Khelo India programme, National Sports Federations, and sports science initiatives. Importantly, this expansion comes in a non-Olympic year, signalling a long-term approach rather than reactive spending tied to major events.
Taken together, the December 2025 SAI approvals represent more than construction projects. They reflect a systemic shift toward technological parity with global standards, climate-conscious facility management, and data-driven athlete development.
With a clear eye on Los Angeles 2028 and beyond, India’s sports infrastructure is being reshaped to convert potential into podium finishes not through shortcuts, but through sustained, scientific, and sustainable investment .
