Tamil Nadu Minister Aadhav Arjuna submitted the proposal to Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Tamil Nadu has expressed its interest in hosting the 2029 National Games as part of a larger plan to strengthen sports infrastructure and position the State as one of India’s leading sporting destinations.

The proposal was submitted in New Delhi on Wednesday by Tamil Nadu Minister for Public Works, Highways and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna during a meeting with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya.

The State government said hosting the National Games would create a lasting infrastructure legacy and help expand Tamil Nadu’s sporting ecosystem. The proposal also highlighted the State’s experience in hosting major national and international sporting events.

As part of its larger sports development plan, Tamil Nadu proposed a National Centre of Excellence for Combat Sports at the upcoming 48-acre Trichy Olympic Academy. It also suggested Nagapattinam as the location for a National Centre of Excellence for Beach Sports, citing the State’s 1,076km coastline and the availability of local talent.

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The State also sought support for an international-standard, UCI-compliant indoor cycling velodrome and a National Cycling High-Performance Centre in Coimbatore, with the proposal pointing to Tamil Nadu’s strong cycling base.

To decentralise athletics development, Tamil Nadu proposed international-standard 400m synthetic tracks in Pudukkottai, Thoothukudi, Villupuram, Tiruvallur and Krishnagiri.

Regional Olympic-standard aquatic complexes were proposed for Coimbatore, Chengalpattu, Tiruvarur and Tiruppur, while international-standard multipurpose indoor stadiums were suggested for Kallakurichi, Tirunelveli, Ranipet and Cuddalore to support growing youth participation in indoor sports.

The State also proposed an International Sport Climbing Centre in Chennai, aimed at developing talent in an emerging Olympic discipline.

Tamil Nadu also requested an expansion of the Khelo India ecosystem, including additional Khelo India Centres and district centres across the State, with at least two priority sports disciplines in every district.

A National Anti-Doping Education and Awareness Centre was proposed in Chennai to function as a hub for research and capacity building in collaboration with the National Anti-Doping Agency.

The State also proposed a National Sports Science, Sports Medicine, Recovery and Rehabilitation Centre in Madurai to provide integrated performance and injury recovery services for athletes.

The meeting was held on the directions of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, whose government has said it views sport as a tool for youth development, social change and building a drug-free Tamil Nadu.

Mandaviya appreciated the State’s efforts in promoting sports and assured support and cooperation.

Published on Jun 03, 2026