Neeraj Chopra Urges for Sports Infrastructure Overhaul and Coach Empowerment

In a recent consultation meeting with the Sports Ministry, India’s celebrated javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, emphasized the urgent need to improve sports infrastructure across the country, with a particular focus on upgrading the athletics facilities at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Patiala. The meeting, which centered around discussions on the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, saw participation from around 160 athletes and coaches—some in person, others virtually—including high-profile sports figures such as Nikhat Zareen, Bhavani Devi, and Gagan Narang.

Chopra highlighted the delayed replacement of the aging athletics track at NIS Patiala, where the country’s national campers train. He stressed that the installation of a modern Mondotrack—an advanced surface designed to boost performance and minimize injuries—was essential for Indian athletes to compete at a global level. He further noted that many international competitions, including the Paris Olympics and the Diamond League, use Mondotracks, putting Indian athletes at a disadvantage when they compete on outdated surfaces.

Beyond facilities, Chopra called for greater investment in grassroots infrastructure, arguing that additional stadiums and training centers are crucial for fostering fresh talent as India aims for Olympic success in 2036. He also suggested that these stadiums should not be restricted to national camps and high-level competitions but be made accessible for training budding athletes across the nation.

In addition to Chopra’s appeal for better infrastructure, many coaches raised concerns about the lack of focus on developing Indian coaching talent. While foreign coaches are frequently hired, domestic coaching development has been largely overlooked, with coaches calling for more support and empowerment under the proposed sports governance bill.

The meeting, chaired by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, also addressed issues such as increased collaboration between the government and private stakeholders, and the creation of a Sports Regulatory Board to oversee the functioning of sports bodies like the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and National Sports Federations.

Chopra’s comments reflect the growing demand for India to bolster its sports infrastructure and coaching standards as the nation looks ahead to its Olympic ambitions and aims to better equip its athletes for international competition.

image credit: hindustantimes.com

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