The Gujarat government has earmarked Rs 2,006 crore for the Sports, Youth, and Cultural Activities Department in the state budget. Minister Jitu Vaghani announced plans to enhance sports infrastructure and training systems to position Gujarat as a global sports hub. This allocation, significantly higher than in previous years, emphasizes the government’s commitment to boosting sports in the state.
The budget includes a specific allocation of Rs 1,331 crore for the sports sector. Ahmedabad is set to be developed as an “Olympic Ready City” with an investment of Rs 500 crore. Notably, a key project is the proposed SVP Sports Enclave near the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which will feature world-class facilities.
The government is also investing in additional sports infrastructure across various locations in the state. Projects include a new athletics stadium and a modern shooting range at the Gujarat Police Academy in Karai. Moreover, plans are underway to construct an ‘Olympic Games Village’ in Ahmedabad to accommodate 17,500 athletes.
Highlighting grassroots sports programs, Minister Vaghani noted the success of the ‘Khel Mahakumbh’ initiative, with a significant increase in athlete participation. The government’s focus extends beyond sports to cultural and literary initiatives, with allocations for library modernization, prize amount increments, and restoration work at historical sites.
