Giving a boost to sports infrastructure in the national Capital, Delhi Government will develop state-of-the-art sports grounds equipped with modern facilities in Government schools across the city.
Announcing this on Wednesday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative aims to provide children with quality sports training from an early age so they can make Delhi and the nation proud at national and international events.
She held a high-level meeting with the Education Department to review departmental activities and directed officials to prepare a detailed blueprint for this ambitious plan. Senior officials from the Chief Minister’s Office were also present at the meeting.
The Chief Minister stated that to strengthen Delhi’s sports ecosystem, the Government will collaborate with various reputed sports academies. Under this initiative, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed for training in disciplines such as cricket, boxing, taekwondo, football, swimming, and others. These academies will be provided access to sports facilities and administrative support to run structured training programmes.
According to the Chief Minister, the goal is to ensure that children receive professional sports coaching from an early age, enabling them to pursue their ambitions with discipline and confidence. She emphasised that sports not only promote physical fitness but also instil values of teamwork, perseverance, and leadership.
Rekha Gupta informed that the Education Department currently oversees 799 school buildings and campuses. Officials have been instructed to identify suitable locations for developing sports grounds or multipurpose auditoriums.
She stated that in schools with large open spaces, modern sports grounds will be developed, while in areas with limited space, multi-purpose auditoriums or mini sports arenas will be constructed. Rural schools will be prioritised under this plan to ensure equal opportunities for young athletes in every part of Delhi.
The CM also mentioned that the government is assessing the feasibility of constructing swimming pools in select schools to provide foundational training in all major sports. She assured that there will be no shortage of funds for this project, which will be implemented expeditiously.
The Chief Minister emphasised that promoting sports is among the Delhi Government’s top priorities. The Government has already introduced attractive incentive schemes for athletes who win medals at national and international levels.
She announced that the Delhi Government awards `7 crore for Olympic gold medallists, `5 crore for silver medallists, and `3 crore for bronze medallists. In addition, promising athletes at the state and national levels will receive financial assistance and Government employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister said her government is committed to ensuring athletes have access to a world-class sports ecosystem, which includes professional coaching, balanced nutrition, modern stadiums, and well-equipped sports grounds. She emphasised that the government’s goal is not only to build infrastructure but to nurture a vibrant sports culture in Delhi.
The Chief Minister stated that the Government wants every child to step onto the field, gain confidence, and learn leadership through sports. She envisioned Delhi’s schools as training grounds for future Olympians, who would bring glory to India at international competitions.
She directed officials to conduct regular monitoring of the plan’s implementation and ensure the swift development of sports facilities. Calling the initiative a visionary step to integrate education and sports, she said it has the potential to transform Delhi’s schools into premier sports hubs of the country.
