The Khelo India State Centres of Excellence (KISCEs) initiative, a key component of the Khelo India program, is dramatically improving India’s sports infrastructure and fostering a vibrant sports culture. The program’s substantial budget increase, the success of the Khelo India University Games, and the rise of esports showcase the government’s commitment to nurturing athletes from grassroots to the elite level.
The Kerala Basketball Association (KBA) has decided to address the absence of three districts – Malappuram, Wayanad, and Idukki – from the women’s section of the ongoing State Senior Championship. The KBA plans to make participation mandatory for all districts in future championships, aiming to encourage greater participation and development of basketball at the grassroots level. The new KBA president, Jacob Joseph, emphasizes the importance of district-level initiatives and the need to nurture homegrown talent, while rejecting suggestions to relax the existing guest player rule.
Shenyang, China, is making waves in the world of rowing, with its 2024 Rowing Development Index showcasing the city’s dynamic integration of rowing into urban life. The index highlights the city’s thriving rowing scene, featuring impactful events, industry growth, and educational initiatives.
A new mini stadium in Chennai’s Kolathur, funded by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), promises to bring much-needed sports facilities to the area. The stadium will feature a swimming pool, badminton courts, and gyms, offering opportunities for residents to engage in sports and recreation. The project has been welcomed by residents who previously had to travel long distances to access such facilities.
Meghalaya, known for its love of football, is witnessing a resurgence in the sport. The recent Durand Cup, with Shillong Lajong FC’s home matches drawing huge crowds, has rekindled hopes for a brighter future for Meghalaya’s footballing scene. The state is investing heavily in infrastructure and training programs to develop a new generation of athletes, aiming to become the “football capital of India.”
India marked National Sports Day on August 29th, commemorating the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and hockey icon Zafar Iqbal paid tribute to the legendary athlete, highlighting the importance of fitness and emphasizing the need to focus on disciplines like table tennis and swimming for stronger Olympic performances. While celebrating India’s recent Olympic success in Paris, Iqbal stressed the ongoing need for hard work and investment in sports development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized the achievements of Indian athletes at the Paris Olympics, praising their dedication and reaffirming the government’s commitment to sports development. The athletes were invited to the Red Fort for Republic Day celebrations and later met with Modi at his residence, where they presented him with gifts.
Cam Rodriguez, a Filipina football player, analyst, and coach, is dedicated to fostering growth and empowering athletes in the Philippines. Her journey, from a young girl falling in love with the sport to becoming a role model for others, reflects her unwavering belief in Filipino athletes and their potential. She advocates for fairness and support, highlighting the importance of belief as a catalyst for success and improvement.
This article tells the inspiring story of an Indian gymnast who qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics, highlighting his journey, challenges, and the impact of his performance on the sport in India.
From May 24th to 25th, the Liaoning High-Quality Culture, Sports and Tourism Integrated Development Conference showcased significant progress in the province’s interdisciplinary approach. Over 1,000 officials from various sectors gathered to explore the fusion of culture, sports, and tourism, leading to 30 key collaborative developments worth 53.2 billion Yuan. Liaoning’s focus on leveraging technology for smart tourism initiatives included digital cultural demonstrations, virtual reality experiences, and mobile applications. The event featured parallel events, such as the Northeast Asia Food Culture Tourism Week and the Liaoning Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Boutique Exhibition, and attracted over 100 influential figures in the sector to promote Liaoning’s unique offerings.
