Sri Vijaya Puram, July 16: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, through the Sports Authority of India (SAI), has approved the establishment of three new Khelo India Centres (KICs) in the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. These Centres will be set up in North & Middle Andaman District for Hockey and in Nicobar District for Volleyball and Football disciplines. With this latest addition, the total number of Khelo India Centres sanctioned in the A&N Islands now stands at eight, encompassing a diverse range of disciplines and covering all three districts of the Union Territory.
This development marks another significant milestone in promoting grassroots sports and nurturing young talent across the Islands. The approval comes as a result of the consistent efforts made by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, A&N Administration, toward expanding the reach of sports infrastructure and coaching in the region.
The eight Khelo India Centres in A&N Islands are as follows:
Nicobar District: Badminton – BJR Stadium, Car Nicobar, Volleyball – Indira Park Ground, Kamorta, Football -Football Ground, Mini Stadium, Campbell Bay.
N & M Andaman District: Hockey – Forest Ground, Baratang, Archery – Vivekananda Stadium, Diglipur.
South Andaman District: Athletics – Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram, Boxing – IRBn (HQ), Port Mout, Kayaking- Armed Police Unit (APU), Police Line, Sri Vijaya Puram.
These Centres, under the flagship Khelo India Scheme, aim to provide young athletes with access to quality coaching by Past Champion Athletes, modern sports infrastructure and a structured environment to grow their skills.
The Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs has extended its heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India for their continued support and recognition. The Directorate remains committed to furthering the vision of making sports accessible across the UT and fostering a vibrant sporting culture among the youth of the Islands.