Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates India’s Largest Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad.
Built at Rs. 825 crore, the ultra-modern complex positions Ahmedabad as future Olympic host.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat:
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura, Ahmedabad on Sunday September 14. Built at a cost of Rs. 825 crore, the state-of-the-art facility is now India’s largest and among the most advanced sports complexes in the world.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and Gujarat Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi were among the dignitaries present at the ceremony.
A Vision Realized
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah revealed that when he initially proposed the project to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the directive was clear: it should be developed as a world-class facility. Today, that vision has materialized in the form of a complex with cutting-edge amenities for athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts.
“The Veer Savarkar Sports Complex is not just the largest in India but also one of the most modern globally,” Shah stated. “This complex stands as a symbol of the transformation India has witnessed in the last 10 years under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.”
Honouring Veer Savarkar
The sports complex has been named after freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. Highlighting Savarkar’s daring escape attempt in Marseille while in British custody, Shah said, “It is fitting that a venue that inspires courage, resilience, and discipline bears the name of a man who exemplified all these qualities.”
He expressed hope that athletes training here would not only aim to win medals but strive to bring pride and honour to the nation globally.
World-Class Features
Spread over 1.19 lakh square meters, the eco-friendly complex boasts:
- Seven grand entry gates
- Parking for 900 vehicles
- A 275-kilowatt solar power plant
- A 60 KLD sewage treatment plant
- Modern hostel facilities for athletes and coaches
- Medical and nutrition support
- A performance analysis theatre for slow-motion reviews
The complex includes dedicated zones like the Fit India Zone and Outdoor Sports Zone, making it a comprehensive hub for athlete development.
Ahmedabad: The Rising Sports Capital
Amit Shah emphasized that Ahmedabad is quickly transforming into India’s sports capital. Alongside the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Motera and the upcoming Sardar Patel Sports Complex, the new Veer Savarkar Sports Complex cements the city’s growing reputation in global sports infrastructure.
By 2036, 13 international tournaments are planned in Ahmedabad, including the World Police and Fire Games in 2029, making it a key contender to become the sports hub of Asia. Shah confirmed that the Government of India is preparing Ahmedabad to host the Olympic Games in 2036.
Sports as a National Movement
Reflecting on India’s transformation in sports, Shah highlighted key developments:
- In 2014–15, the sports budget stood at ₹1,643 crore.
- By 2025, it increased to ₹5,300 crore under Prime Minister Modi.
- India now boasts world-class infrastructure, transparent selection processes, and specialized training under initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India.
- A new National Sports Policy (2025) outlines five key principles including integrating sports with education and using sports for economic and social development.
Shah credited this transformation for India’s improved performance on the international stage. From only 20 Olympic medals between 1948–2012, India has won 15 Olympic medals in just the past 8 years. In Paralympics, the count surged from 8 medals historically to 52 in recent years.
Athlete Support at the Core
Shah noted that under the TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme):
- Olympic athletes receive financial support up to ₹50,000 per month.
- Core group and emerging athletes are also provided with monthly stipends and specialized training resources.
He stressed that this targeted support has created a “strong sports culture” throughout the country.
Aiming for Global Excellence
As Ahmedabad positions itself to host major global tournaments, the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex will serve as a centerpiece of India’s sporting future.
“By 2047, India must not remain second in any field, especially not in sports,” Shah said. “With modern infrastructure, visionary leadership, and committed athletes, we are on track to lead the world.”
Background:
The Veer Savarkar Sports Complex is a collaborative initiative between the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat. Designed to serve as a high-performance center for national and international athletes, it aligns with India’s long-term vision to host the Olympic Games in Ahmedabad by 2036.
