By Our Reporter
Shillong, May 28: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre at the NEHU campus in Shillong is being viewed as a strong candidate to emerge as a major high-altitude training hub for elite athletes in the country.
During a visit to the centre on Thursday, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse reviewed the existing sports infrastructure and training facilities while interacting with athletes, coaches and officials.
Speaking to reporters, Khadse highlighted Shillong’s favourable climate, elevated terrain and peaceful environment as key advantages for high-performance sports training.
She noted that several national coaching camps are already being conducted at the centre and said the facility holds significant potential to support athletes preparing for national and international competitions.
Sports officials believe Shillong’s altitude and weather conditions make it suitable for specialised endurance and conditioning programmes, similar to high-altitude training centres used globally to enhance athletic performance.The SAI NEHU Centre currently hosts training activities across multiple disciplines and has gradually expanded its infrastructure and coaching support systems. Discussions during the visit also focused on the future development of the centre and the need to strengthen athlete welfare and scientific training facilities.
Khadse said efforts are underway to further improve sports infrastructure in the region under the Khelo India initiative, including plans related to a dedicated high-altitude training facility.
The development of the Shillong-based centre is expected to benefit not only Meghalaya but the wider North East region, which has produced talented athletes in football, athletics, boxing, archery and several other sports over the years.
Officials believe that with sustained investment and improved facilities, the SAI NEHU Centre could develop into one of India’s important destinations for elite athlete training in the coming years.
