(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Amit Shah Inaugurates World-Class Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is stepping up its game in the world of sports! On September 15, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah unveiled the stunning Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Narangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Built at a whopping ₹825 crore, this massive facility is all set to boost India’s dream of hosting the Olympics 2036 and creating top-notch sports infrastructure across the country. The Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office shared these exciting details.
The grand event saw Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Agriculture Minister Raghavji Patel, Minister of State for Sports Harsh Sanghavi, and Mayor Pratibha Jain joining in the celebrations.
Amit Shah kicked off the inauguration by calling sports the "soul of India." He pointed out that sports actually originated in our country, and with India’s super young population, we must aim for global excellence. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the sports scene has seen huge changes—like building world-class stadiums, offering advanced training, ensuring fair selections, and giving stars a shot at international glory. Over the last 10 years, Indian sports has totally transformed, Shah said.
This new Veer Savarkar Sports Complex is a game-changer: modern, huge, and packed with cutting-edge facilities. Even before the official opening, it hosted two big events, and athletes plus sports leaders from India and abroad have raved about its state-of-the-art setup.
Shah shared why they named it after Veer Savarkar, the legendary freedom fighter and amazing swimmer. Savarkar once jumped off a British steamboat with friends, swam across the sea, and reached France to escape capture. He was the only revolutionary in British India sentenced to 120 years in jail, yet he fought tirelessly against colonial rule. He even saw the 1857 uprising as India’s true independence war, not just a mutiny. "This complex honors such a brave patriot," Shah added. He urged athletes to compete here not just for themselves, but to bag medals for the nation—drawing inspiration from Savarkar’s spirit.
Ahmedabad is on track to become India’s sports capital, thanks to gems like Narendra Modi Stadium, Sardar Patel Sports Enclave, and now this complex. All provide world-class venues for training and competitions.
Shah highlighted the massive boost in sports funding: from ₹1,643 crore under the UPA government 10 years ago to ₹5,300 crore today. Initiatives like Khelo India track athletes’ performance, diet, health, and recovery closely. The country is building new sports hubs everywhere and hosting events such as Khelo India Games, Para Games, and Winter Games. Plus, a fresh National Sports Policy is in place to supercharge the sector.
Breaking down the policy, Shah explained its five key pillars: giving Indian athletes global chances, using sports for economic and social growth, turning it into a people’s movement, and blending education with sports.
Since Modi’s government came to power, India’s show at major events has soared. From 1947 to 2012, we won just 20 Olympic medals—but in the last eight years, we’ve grabbed 15 more. In Paralympics, the count jumped from 8 to 52, and in Deaflympics from 2 to 22. Impressive, right?
Looking ahead, Ahmedabad will host international meets for police and fire services in 2029. Approval for the 2030 Commonwealth Games here is coming soon, and the big goal is the 2036 Olympics. Shah also gave a tour of the complex’s highlights, like its advanced setups for various sports.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel beamed with pride, noting the complex is right near his constituency and home. He had asked PM Modi for it on 21 acres of land, and the PM pushed for a truly world-class one—which is now a reality. "This ₹825 crore project in Ahmedabad marks a new chapter for sports in Gujarat, especially as we celebrate the Constitution’s 75th year and Hindi Diwas 2025," Patel said.
Patel stressed how PM Modi sees sports as key to all-round development, rooted in our ancient heritage of skill-building. Under the "Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi" vision, we’re modernizing that legacy. He praised recent laws like the Sports Governance Bill 2025 and National Anti-Doping Amendment Bill 2025 for safeguarding athletes and helping them shine globally.
With guidance from Modi and Shah, Ahmedabad is Olympics-ready and set for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The complex will be a launchpad for Gujarat’s talents. Over the years, the state’s sports budget has grown to ₹486 crore, leading to 23 operational complexes across 21 districts. Big projects like the 233-acre Sardar Patel Sports Enclave near Narendra Modi Stadium and a Para Athlete High-Performance Centre show Gujarat’s commitment to inclusive sports.
Patel also shouted out PM Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push, including Swadeshi promotion and GST reforms.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya called this the inauguration of India’s largest sports complex—a proud moment. "Under PM Modi’s lead, we’re building a developed, prosperous India," he said. Sports initiatives are key to the Viksit Bharat dream, with the new policy creating a strong ecosystem. "This complex will see athletes turn dreams into medals," Mandaviya added.
Minister of State Harsh Sanghavi welcomed everyone, thanking Amit Shah for gifting this ultra-modern hub to Gujarat and India. Shah laid the foundation three years ago and promised completion in 30 months—he kept his word by tracking progress closely. It gives youth a top platform to excel.
Fun fact: This is the first time in India an international event happened in a venue before its official launch. The complex already hosted the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship and will soon welcome the Asian Aquatics Competition with 1,200 athletes from around the world.
So, what’s inside? The Veer Savarkar Sports Complex boasts an Aquatics Stadium, Sports Centre of Excellence, Indoor Multi-Sports Arena, Community Sports Centre, Outdoor Courts, and a Fit India Zone. It offers coaching, practice, yoga, and fitness for pros and everyday folks, all backed by high-tech infrastructure.
To wrap up on a green note, Amit Shah urged all to plant trees in the complex to protect the environment.
The event drew Rajya Sabha MPs like Narhari Amin and Babubhai Desai, Lok Sabha MPs Hasmukh Patel and Dinesh Makwana, local MLAs, sports officials, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation leaders, councilors, athletes, coaches, and sports organization reps. What a powerhouse gathering for India’s sports future!
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