TN pitches 2029 National Games bid, seeks central funds for sports academies in Delhi meeting

Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru C. Joseph Vijay, the Government of Tamil Nadu recognizes sports as a powerful tool for social change. The primary objective of the government is to channel the energy of the youth in a constructive manner, promote a healthy lifestyle, and create a positive impact on society. In its journey toward the noble goal of a 'Drug-Free Tamil Nadu', the Government of Tamil Nadu is committed to fostering a clean, honest, and value-based sports culture. Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department is actively working to empower the younger generation through sports and shape them into the achievers of tomorrow. Hon'ble Chief Minister's stated vision is that Tamil Nadu will extend its full support and contribution toward the ambition of India emerging as a global sports superpower by achieving continuous victories in major international arenas, including the Olympic, Paralympic, and Asian Games. Accordingly, on the directions of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Hon'ble Minister for Public Works, Highways and Sports Development, Thiru Aadhav Arjuna, called on the Hon'ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in New Delhi today (03.06.2026). During the meeting, several landmark proposals were presented to position Tamil Nadu as India's premier sporting destination. Highlighting the State's proven track record in successfully hosting major national and international events, the State presented a proposal requesting the opportunity to host the 2029 National Games, which would create a lasting infrastructure legacy and boost the State's sporting ecosystem. A National Centre of Excellence for Combat Sports is proposed to be housed within the upcoming 48-acre Trichy Olympic Academy campus, serving as a centralized hub for combat disciplines. Furthermore, leveraging Tamil Nadu's extensive 1,076 km coastline and the favourable prospects of young talented sportspersons, Nagapattinam district was put forward as the location for a National Centre of Excellence for Beach Sports. Recognizing Tamil Nadu's strong base in cycling, discussions covered establishing an international-standard, UCI-compliant Indoor Cycling Velodrome and a National Cycling High-Performance Centre in Coimbatore. To sustain the State's achievements in athletics and elevate grassroots athletes to international standard, it is planned to lay international-standard 400m synthetic tracks in the districts of Pudukkottai, Thoothukudi, Villupuram, Tiruvallur, and Krishnagiri. Since Tamil Nadu has produced many swimmers who represent India at the national and international level, world-class swimming complexes were proposed for Coimbatore, Chengalpattu, Tiruvarur, and Tiruppur districts. As youth participation in indoor sports disciplines is increasing in Tamil Nadu, discussions were held on setting up multipurpose indoor sports complexes in Kallakurichi, Tirunelveli, Ranipet, and Cuddalore districts. For training in the Olympic sport of 'sport climbing', taking into account the current sporting environment and infrastructure facilities, an international-standard sport climbing training centre is planned to be set up in Chennai. As Tamil Nadu stands among the states with the largest youth population and a strong sporting culture in the country, this discussion emphasized giving priority to at least 2 sports disciplines in every district of Tamil Nadu and further expanding 'Khelo India Centres' and 'Khelo India District Centres'. A National Anti-Doping Education and Awareness Centre is proposed to be set up in Chennai, in collaboration with the National Anti-Doping Agency, to function as a national hub for research and capacity building. Further, building on the existing framework of the Olympic Academy and High-Performance Centres already established in Madurai district, a memorandum containing requests including setting up a National Sports Centre, Sports Medicine, Injury Recovery and Performance Development Centre in Madurai, with the aim of providing integrated services to sportspersons across India, was submitted during this meeting. The Hon'ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, appreciated the efforts of the Government of Tamil Nadu in promoting sports and assured his full support and cooperation. Secretary to Government, Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department, Thiru Sajjansingh R. Chavan, I.A.S., and Member Secretary, Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, Thiru J. Meghanatha Reddy, I.A.S., were also present at this meeting. Issued By: Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9