Sports Infrastructure
Design, development and administration of world-class sports facilities — from stadia to national training centres.
In His Own Words
My Journey: Four Decades of Passionate Service to Indian Sports
When passion becomes your profession, nothing is more beautiful. I am immensely proud of my contributions to Indian sports, from grassroots talent identification to elite international success. I remain deeply committed to advancing the field. My family's encouragement during school, college, and higher education allowed me to immerse myself in sports and competitions, laying the foundation for a fulfilling career.
Read Full Story
Early Advocacy and Leadership
In college, I witnessed the struggles of sportspersons representing universities, junior/sub-junior state, and national levels, parents footing bills for travel and stay. I proudly mediated with state federations and university officials to secure facilities. By my final graduation year, I served as Secretary for five state federations, transforming participation by providing better support than in traditional sports, where athletes paid out-of-pocket. I was able to expose flaws in national federations charging children for international representation.
Launch into Sports Authority of India
A life-changing moment came during an East Zone inter-zonal competition in Delhi: a call from my parents about an SAI Assistant Director interview. Two months post-interview, I joined as Assistant Director—spotted by a senior board member to work in North East. After Delhi orientation, I scouted sub-junior football talent in Shiv Sagar, Assam, alongside a football legend, identifying stars like Gunabir Singh, Kiran Khongsai, and Lokendra Singh, who later donned national colors and joined top clubs.
Regular assignments to Manipur and Mizoram involved demographic and genetic ability studies for sport suitability. Posted to Manipur in early 1988, we focused on combat sports (judo, boxing, wrestling, weightlifting), building low-cost infrastructure and a modern indoor hall—the best in the region. Extensive district-wise talent ID led to makeshift training; within two years, the hall was ready.
Proudly innovative, we addressed training disruptions from festivals and farming by scouting 35 orphanage boys for continuous programs. After six months of motor skill building, they specialized—yielding Dingko Singh's gold for India at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games. This is something that always brings me delight, when I think of it.
Key SAI Roles and Nationwide Impact
In Delhi's Personnel Division, I proudly formulated recruitment rules, seniority lists, and mass promotions—the first since SAI's formation, a morale booster for all cadres. I then managed five iconic Delhi venues: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Talkatora Swimming Pool, Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Ranges, and National Stadium—gaining expertise in various sports and stadium operations.
In Operations Division, I oversaw pan-India infrastructure, hostel induction/weeding, equipment procurement, and kits for SAI centers. I established and operationalized a 90-acre sports center in Sonipat, Haryana, while leading SAI's Northern Region with strong Jammu & Kashmir initiatives.
Olympic-Level Preparations and Leadership Peaks
I take pride in preparing Indian teams for the 2010 Commonwealth and Asian Games. New policies added support staff, physiotherapists, and psychologists; despite Delhi stadium repairs, our efforts delivered India's best-ever medal tallies—a testament to athletes, coaches, managers, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, SAI, and NSFs.
Cherished roles followed: heading the National Institute of Sports (NIS) Patiala—"Mecca of Indian Sports"—to elevate coach education; then High Performance Director at SAI HQ.
Post-SAI Consulting and Bihar Stint
Post-SAI, inquiries from universities, states, agencies, architects, and constructors highlighted gaps in sports infrastructure, education, university promotion, and talent ID. Selective consulting taught valuable lessons: focus on high-outcome projects. My proudest recent chapter was a productive three-year stint (2022–2025) with Bihar State Sports Authority.
Committed to India's Sporting Future
Over four decades at grassroots and elite levels, I've poured my heart into talent identification, infrastructure, education, and policy. I'm proud of the lives transformed, medals won, and systems strengthened. Today, my experience stands ready for anyone with earnest goals—in sports development, curriculum, infrastructure, or beyond. My help is always forthcoming, with or without cost, for institutions, universities, states, or organizations. Let's collaborate for a brighter Indian sports ecosystem.
Contact me to discuss how I can support your sports initiatives.