Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 22 October 2025
The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs has launched four Khelo India Centres (Non-Residential) across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands under the Khelo India Scheme, aimed at identifying young sporting talents and providing them with free sports coaching in multiple disciplines.
To ensure quality training, former champion athletes have been engaged as coaches and mentors at these centres, bringing their experience and expertise to guide the next generation of island athletes.
The newly inaugurated centres are located at different venues across the islands — Mini Stadium, Campbell Bay (Football) under Mr. Steward Evan Barnabas (Ph: 8900939809); Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram (Athletics) coached by Mr. Anand Kumar (Ph: 7011274742); Forest Ground, Baratang (Hockey) led by Ms. Sampa Das (Ph: 8900971127); and Indira Park, Nancowrie (Volleyball) under Ms. Lilly Ann (Ph: 9434262979).
Young boys and girls aged 10 to 18 years are encouraged to visit these Khelo India Centres or contact the respective coaches to join the free coaching sessions, as part of the government’s continued efforts to promote sports and nurture grassroots talent in the islands.
