Key Sports Infrastructure in Chandigarh inaugurated by Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

Key Sports Infrastructure in Chandigarh inaugurated by Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

Two Modern Chess Centres Inaugurated and Official Logo and Tagline of Chandigarh Marathon 2025 launched 

Governor of Punjab and Chandigarh UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria and Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Felicitate Chandigarh’s Sporting Champions 

Chandigarh 31 May ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : The Department of Sports, Chandigarh Administration, organized a grand felicitation ceremony today to honour athletes who have brought glory to the city at national and international levels. The event was presided over by Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and graced by Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh Gulab Chand Kataria. Principal Secretary to Governor and Chief Secretary of UT Chandigarh were also present. Their presence served as a powerful inspiration for the sporting community of Chandigarh. As part of the day's events, Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mandaviya inaugurated several key sports infrastructure projects, including modern Chess Centres at the Sports Complexes in Sector 8 and Sector 39, and a state-of-the-art Snooker and Billiards Hall at Sector 42, constructed at a cost of ₹6 crore. These additions signify Chandigarh’s progress towards providing global-standard training facilities to its athletes. 

The ceremony also witnessed the official unveiling of the logo and tagline for Chandigarh Marathon 2025, setting the stage for one of the city’s premier fitness and sporting events. The marathon is envisioned as a flagship initiative to promote wellness, mass participation, and a culture of fitness across age groups in the city. A strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed during the event between the Department of Education, UT Chandigarh, and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust, under the aegis of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation (Switzerland) and Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). The MoU aims to strengthen volleyball infrastructure across 108 schools in Chandigarh, furthering access and excellence Scholarships amounting to ₹1.32 crore were transferred to 320 athletes through an online platform, ensuring greater transparency and administrative efficiency. In addition, award money worth ₹5.67 crore was presented to 448 sportspersons, including 8 international and 23 national-level athletes, with special recognition given to para-athletes for their exceptional contributions. Athletes with exceptional achievements at the national and international levels were invited on stage and specially felicitated, celebrating their excellence and dedication to Indian sports. Addressing the gathering, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Union Minister for sparing time from his busy schedule to attend the ceremony. He remarked that the Minister’s presence reflects the Central Government’s strong commitment to nurturing sporting talent and strengthening the nation’s sports ecosystem. The Administrator commended the Department of Sports, UT Chandigarh for its dedicated efforts in organizing the event and building a dynamic sports culture in Chandigarh. He acknowledged the continued support of Olympic Gold Medallist Abhinav Bindra, especially in promoting sports and implementing the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) in Chandigarh. He also recognized the efforts of Sanjay Tandon and Chandigarh Police for the successful Gully Cricket initiative, which has brought sports to every corner of the city and engaged youth at the grassroots level. Kataria proudly announced that Chandigarh is the first city in the country to distribute scholarships worth nearly ₹20 crore to student athletes so far. He also appreciated the efforts of sports associations and organizations in consistently organizing competitive sporting events across the city. The Governor concluded with confidence that Chandigarh’s athletes will continue to rise and eventually represent India at the Olympic Games. The Union Minister congratulated the sportspersons who were felicitated with well-deserved cash awards and scholarships and lauded their hard work and achievements. He also appreciated the efforts of the Chandigarh Administration and the Administrator for developing a robust sports ecosystem aligned with international standards. Highlighting the broader vision for sports development in India, Dr. Mandaviya stated that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, a comprehensive roadmap has been laid out for Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasized the importance of early talent identification and structured support under the Khelo India initiative, aimed at preparing athletes for future Olympic success. He cited the ongoing Asian Athletics Championships, where Indian athletes have already won multiple medals, as evidence of the initiative’s growing impact. The Minister said that one centre equipped with international-standard infrastructure, professional coaching, and world-class training facilities will be set up in every district of the country. A National Sports Registration System will help track athletes from the school level, documenting their progress and enabling targeted development. In a step towards inclusive Talent Identification, Citizens, especially from tribal, hilly, and rural regions, have been encouraged to upload videos of local talent to the Sports Ministry portal, ensuring grassroots athletes gain national exposure. The Minister also highlighted various competitions such as the Khelo India School Games, University Games, Youth Games, North East Games, and Winter Games, which are designed to nurture young talent and provide opportunities for national recognition. The Union Minister assured full support from the Government of India to further enhance Chandigarh's sports infrastructure. “We will ensure that the best coaches are made available in Chandigarh. Furthermore, we will develop a multiplex sports infrastructure where multiple disciplines can be practiced within an integrated complex,” he said.