In a decisive move to galvanize Indian sports ahead of a packed international calendar, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has issued a clear directive to top officials of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The minister has called for setting concrete "delivery targets" for 2026, a year that will see the beginning of Olympic qualification in shooting and hockey, alongside major events like the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
Charting the Annual Roadmap: From Olympic Centres to New Leagues
During a crucial meeting held on Thursday with SAI and Ministry officials, Mandaviya laid out an ambitious annual plan. A primary focus is to initiate work on establishing dedicated Olympic Centres for every sport across the nation. This infrastructure push is aimed at creating a robust training ecosystem for elite athletes.
Furthermore, the minister has set a significant target of starting national leagues in at least five new sports this year. "Federations will be encouraged and the Ministry will extend financial support for these leagues," a ministry source confirmed. To ensure momentum, Mandaviya plans to hold review meetings with Deputy Director-level officers every fortnight to gather ideas and monitor progress.
War on Doping: A Top Priority for India
With India consistently topping the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) list for the most doping violators for three consecutive years, addressing this menace was a key point of discussion. As the nation prepares to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad and bids for the 2036 Olympics, cleaning up its record is paramount.
The minister has instructed SAI and the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) to launch aggressive awareness campaigns. "If there are violators even after that, they have to be dealt with strict action," the source stated, underscoring a zero-tolerance approach.
Building a Collaborative Sports Ecosystem
Beyond government-led initiatives, Mandaviya is also keen on fostering greater private sector involvement in sports development. The ministry is exploring ways to support private sports academies, particularly in areas like sports science and providing quality trainers. This public-private partnership model is envisioned to broaden the talent base and enhance the overall quality of training available to Indian athletes.
The year 2026 is poised to be a foundational period, setting the stage for India's ambitions on the global sporting stage. The minister's push for accountability through delivery targets, combined with a dual focus on infrastructure expansion and integrity, outlines a comprehensive strategy to elevate Indian sports.
