Union MoS Raksha Khadse visited the SAI Sports Training Centre in Agartala, highlighting Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and youth empowerment in Northeast India. Her review emphasized Khelo India goals, infrastructure upgrades, and the region’s Olympic potential, aligning with India@2047’s vision for holistic sports development.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Khadse, undertook a significant visit to Tripura as part of the Government of India’s ‘Poorvottar Sampark Setu’ initiative — a strategic dialogue and outreach programme focusing on the North-Eastern states. During this impactful tour, she made a surprise inspection of the Sports Authority of India (SAI)-operated Sports Training Centre (STC) in Agartala, conducting a comprehensive assessment of the facility, interacting with athletes, and reiterating the government’s commitment to the development of sports infrastructure and talent in the region.
The STC in Agartala, particularly noted for its excellence in gymnastics, has been a cornerstone of sports development in the North-East. It plays a pivotal role in nurturing young sporting talent through an intensive, structured training regimen. Minister Khadse’s visit was marked by a meticulous review of training facilities, including athlete hostels, coaching standards, equipment, and medical and psychological support services. These holistic elements are vital to sustaining the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model, which she strongly endorsed during her visit.
While inspecting the STC, Smt. Khadse emphasized the need for sustained and strategic investment in the sporting potential of India’s North-East. She observed the training sessions firsthand, praised the dedication of the coaching staff, and evaluated the preparedness of the athletes. The Minister highlighted how the LTAD model is essential in creating a pipeline of talent — from grassroots to elite levels — that can represent India at international platforms like the Olympics.
Interacting directly with the young athletes, Smt. Khadse spent considerable time understanding their motivations, training schedules, challenges, and aspirations. Many of the athletes shared dreams of competing at national and international levels, and the Minister responded with encouragement, stating, “The future of India lies with these young individuals. The central government stands firmly with them, committed to their success.”
The Agartala center, a collaborative effort between the central and local governments, has become a benchmark for similar institutions across the country. Its specialization in gymnastics has produced several promising athletes, and the government aims to replicate such models to strengthen India’s Olympic vision. Minister Khadse’s visit reaffirms the government’s strategy to develop sports talent through local training hubs that are well-integrated with national programs like Khelo India and the initiatives of the Sports Authority of India.
This visit was not limited to sports alone. As part of the broader Poorvottar Sampark Setu initiative, Smt. Khadse also engaged with local stakeholders and held consultations on other pressing developmental themes, including youth empowerment, education, and science and technology. This multi-dimensional approach aligns with India’s long-term vision under India@2047, which places youth and sports at the heart of national development.
The Minister pointed out that the government’s focus is not only to enhance sports performance but also to develop character, discipline, and resilience among the youth. She reiterated that sports can be a powerful tool of social transformation and community engagement, especially in regions like the North-East, which are rich in talent and cultural diversity.
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Speaking at the conclusion of her visit, Smt. Khadse commended the vibrant spirit of Tripura’s youth, both in sports and in science. “North-East India is not just geographically important, but it is also a powerhouse of skill, talent, and energy — the backbone of India’s bright future,” she stated. She further assured that the central government would extend all necessary support to nurture this potential and ensure that athletes from the region get equal opportunities to excel on the global stage.
Smt. Khadse’s visit sends a strong message about the Centre’s focus on inclusive development, youth empowerment, and sports as an engine of national pride. Her endorsement of LTAD and her encouragement to the athletes at STC Agartala reflect a growing strategic emphasis on long-term investments in sports infrastructure and human potential in India’s North-Eastern states.
