Mansukh Mandaviya Visits SAI Madikeri Centre To Back India For 2030 Commonwealth Games

Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya visited the Sports Authority of India Training Centre in Madikeri, Karnataka, on Saturday. He met women hockey players from the Kodava community. He said fresh talent from across India is vital for becoming a global sports powerhouse.

Dr. Mandaviya said the Union Government is building a 360-degree sports ecosystem. He called the proposed 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad a key step. He expressed confidence that Indian men and women will deliver strong hockey performances at those Games.

The Minister said a larger talent pool will improve results at major events. He said this work follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. He stressed that finding and nurturing talent from many regions is central to that dream.

"Future Olympians in the making! Met with the rising stars of Indian Hockey from the SAI Training Centre (STC), Madikeri, Karnataka," Dr Mandaviya tweeted.

https://x.com/mansukhmandviya/status/2050570533641802049

Kodava hockey legacy and SAI Madikeri facilities

Dr. Mandaviya praised the Kodava community for its hockey legacy. Kodagu district is seen as the cradle of Indian hockey. More than 50 Kodava players have represented India. Seven have played at the Summer Olympics, including P. Govinda and M.P. Ganesh.

The SAI Training Centre in Madikeri covers 5.49 acres. It lies in Kodagu district at an altitude of about 1100 metres. The hill station setting supports endurance training. The centre works as a feeder for 22 National Centres of Excellence across India.

The Madikeri centre has an artificial hockey turf and a hostel. The hostel has 60 beds, plus a dining hall and kitchen. Around 50 Kodava girls train here for hockey events held across Karnataka. The focus remains on long-term player development.