Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal said India must improve its position in the global medals tally to be recognised as a sporting nation. She called for better funding, coaching, sports psychology support and financial security for athletes across disciplines
West Bengal Sports Minister Dr Indranil Khan has welcomed enhanced funding under the Khelo India Scheme, saying it will strengthen grassroots sports development. He said the increased support, coupled with new sports infrastructure, will help produce more elite athletes from the state.
A Sports Authority of India delegation inspected major sports venues in Hyderabad to assess their readiness for the 2026 Khelo India Games. Officials appreciated the infrastructure while recommending minor repair and maintenance works before continuing inspections in other Telangana districts
A synthetic running track is being built at Sardar Patel Stadium in Khammam at a cost of Rs 8.50 crore to promote athletics. The track, designed to international standards, includes levelling, fencing, line marking, catch basins and high-mast lighting as per ISO norms.
Lal Bahadur Stadium in Hyderabad was hired out again for a non-sporting event, denying athletes training space. Officials of the Sports Authority of Telangana admitted pressure from lobbies, raising concerns over misuse of sports infrastructure despite the State’s new Sports Policy
