Haryana Aims Big As It Invests ₹491 crore To Transform Rai Sports University Into Next Medal Factory

India's medal powerhouse, Haryana, has started to implement its sports infrastructural budget proposals with the latest announcement of the Rai Sports University refurbishment project.

The Motilal Nehru School of Sports, established in Rai, Sonipat, shall be transformed into a UGC-compliant sports university with modern facilities to support the state's vision of performing well in the 2036 Olympics. Sports minister Gaurav Gautam, in a review meeting with the state sports department and public works held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula, announced the upgrading of the facility. The university is presided over by Shri Ashok Kumar (Retd. IPS & former DGP, Uttarakhand), serving as its vice chancellor.

The roadmap to the upgrade involves the introduction of new courses in management, sports science, coaching and physical education at UG, PG and PhD levels. There shall be an equipment enhancement drive, including the installation of electrical geysers. Provisions are also proposed for enhancing athlete accommodation and welfare facilities along with research and academic infrastructure.

After the recent announcement of the decade-long sports infrastructural allocations worth ₹989 crore, CM Nayab Saini had further instated the broader mission of the state to build 21 new stadiums in the regions of Jhajjhar, Rohtak and Gurugram. Cash incentives and scholarships up to ₹6 crores, with more than ₹641 crores approved in prize money. The central allocation of ₹10 crore under the Khelo India mission has also helped with the state's agenda, with the recent example of synthetic hockey turf in Kurukshetra.

Minister Gautam said the project will go beyond conventional academics, aiming to become a “laboratory for preparing future Olympians and international-level players”, with world-class sports grounds, training facilities, athlete accommodation and nutrition services in line with international standards.