Thiruvananthapuram: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today expressed optimism about India’s rising status in the global sports arena, declaring that the country is on track to rank among the top ten performing nations in the world. The minister made this statement while inaugurating the upgraded SAI Golf Course at Kowdiar, Thiruvananthapuram, emphasizing the significance of sports in building a healthier society.
In his address, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the role of sports in shaping the nation’s future, linking it to the potential success of India hosting the 2036 Olympics. He noted that the Khelo India program, which targets talent development from the district level, plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing young athletes. “Healthy people make a healthy society, and a healthy society becomes a wealthy society. Sports not only improve physical fitness but also enhance mental and cultural well-being,” he said.
SAI National Golf Academy Inaugurated
A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the SAI National Golf Academy, Kerala’s first of its kind, equipped with world-class facilities. The academy boasts a nine-hole international-standard golf course, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and modern recreational amenities, all aimed at promoting sporting excellence in the region. Dr. Mandaviya, who toured the upgraded golf course and even played a round, praised the facility as a critical development for Indian sports.
The project, funded through an allocation of ₹9.27 crore approved by the Ministry of Tourism in 2017, has been successfully completed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The upgrade aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure across the country, further elevating the Trivandrum Golf Club’s standards to meet international benchmarks.
Felicitation of Athletes and Community Impact
Dr. Mandaviya also took the opportunity to felicitate international athletes from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) in Thiruvananthapuram, celebrating their contributions to Indian sports. The event was presided over by Shri Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism & Petroleum and Natural Gas, who lauded the impact of the Trivandrum Golf Club and Tennis Club in bringing out sporting talent from all strata of society.