“Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) sports complex should make full use of the synthetic track to produce better athletes,” urged President of Indian Olympic Association, Padmashri PT Usha. Usha stated that the sports department of Nagpur University should work as an important training centre in the country. The IOA President was speaking with Director of Sports Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, former director Dhananjay Welukar and Maha Basketball Association Secretary Shatrughna Gokhale at Chandrapur the other day. During the meeting, discussion was also held on various sports related activities of the university and expansion of training centres of Sports Authority of India. The Sports Authority of India and Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare, on behalf of Government of India, have selected the RTMNU for talent search programme ‘KIRTI’ for the selection of athletes for the 2036 Olympic Games.

 

Member of Sports and Physical Education Board Dr Welukar informed that RTMNU is sending proposal to the central government to use RTMNU synthetic track for Centre of Excellence for athletics. He also informed that due to the hard work of Vice-Chancellor Dr Subhash Chaudhary, funds of Rs. 44.44 crores have been sanctioned by the State government for the indoor stadium . PT Usha urged that the facilities should be used by the athletes regularly. Usha was all praise for the university when she was informed that the university is providing financial assistance to athletes from economically weaker sections and to the out-of-school boys and girls through Corporate Social Responsibility. “I am proud that RTMNU is trying to connect all sections of the society with this kind of help,” she said. “When I was an athlete, these kinds of facilities were not available in my hometown or nearby cities,” she mentioned. Usha stated that such schemes implemented by the university and the work done on infrastructure development are really important. Gokhale, Secretary of Maharashtra Basketball Association and Shiv Chhatrapati awardee, informed Usha about the renovation of the University’s basketball court.

 

He apprised Usha about the training centre of the university which is being run in collaboration with various sports organisations. Secretary of Maharashtra Boxing Association Dr Rakesh Tiwari, who was also present, informed about the proposed boxing stadium of the university. “A mini stadium will be constructed for boxing, archery and shooting by the university,” informed Tiwari. Tiwari suggested that university should undertake the task of training sports teachers in schools and colleges as well as guides working in various clubs. It was suggested that various courses for local coaches should be conducted by the sports and physical education department of the university and the help of Sports Authority of India should be taken.