Gadkari asks Nagpur colleges to develop playing fields, offers MP funds, targets space for 1 lakh players

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has asked colleges in Nagpur district to develop their sports grounds and facilities. He said that for other sports to grow alongside the popular national games, colleges need good grounds, the necessary facilities and an environment-friendly setting. This would help produce talented players at the local level, he said.

The Department of Sports and Physical Education of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University held a ceremony on Saturday at Guru Nanak Bhavan to honour outstanding players, coaches and team managers. Gadkari was addressing the gathering. Vice-Chancellor Dr Manali Kshirsagar presided over the event.

Gadkari congratulated players who performed brilliantly for the university in various national and inter-university competitions over the past two years. He said good players come only from good coaches.

He said the lack of facilities at college grounds must be addressed. To bring out as many players as possible from the local level, the aim is to build grounds where about one lakh players can play.

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation and the National Institute of Technology have prepared a development plan for the college grounds. Gadkari said trees should be planted around the grounds so that players get a better environment and spectators can watch matches sitting in the shade.

Gadkari also said students' energy can be given a constructive direction through sport. He spoke of giving MP funds for developing college grounds. He urged the university and colleges to keep their grounds clean and develop them.

He referred to the university's world-class synthetic track and the sports complex at Mankapur. According to him, many players are honing their skills with these facilities. He also gave details of the Khasdar Krida Mahotsav being organised.

Vice-Chancellor Dr Manali Kshirsagar congratulated players who performed well during 2023-24 and 2024-25. She said coaches play an important part in players' success. The university has also arranged air travel and special buses for players, along with better facilities, she said.

Padma Shri Dr Satyapal Singh was given a special felicitation at the ceremony. Players, coaches and team managers who performed notably at the Khelo India inter-university games, the West Zone inter-university meet, the All India inter-university meet and various sports festivals were honoured with cash prizes.

Dr Sambhaji Bhosale, director of the Department of Sports and Physical Education, gave the introductory address. RJ Vinod conducted the programme and Dr Amit Tembhurne proposed the vote of thanks. Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Akhilesh Peshwe, Registrar Dr Vijay Khandal, Senate member Vishnu Changde and Dronacharya and Arjun awardee Vijay Munishwar were among the dignitaries present.