Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra has once again called on the Indian government to prioritise the installation of the state-of-the-art “Mondotrack” at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) in Patiala. During a recent meeting to discuss the draft National Sports Governance Bill, Chopra highlighted the urgent need for this modern track, which has become the standard in elite international competitions.
What is Mondotrack?
Mondotrack is a cutting-edge surface widely used in track events, designed to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injuries. Its material, made from vulcanised rubber, is engineered to absorb shock, reduce fatigue, and provide a uniform dynamic response. This allows athletes to maintain better posture, stride length, and rhythm while running.
The track’s unique elasticity also gives athletes a slight “springboard” effect, helping improve speed and endurance. Top global competitions, including the Paris Olympics and the Diamond League finals in Brussels, have used Mondotrack, with many athletes praising the surface for its performance-enhancing qualities.
Current Situation at NIS Patiala
NIS Patiala, one of India’s premier sports training centres, currently uses a traditional synthetic track composed of sand, fibre, wax, and rubber. However, with the growing use of Mondotrack internationally, Chopra expressed concerns about Indian athletes being at a disadvantage when competing abroad.
“Neeraj attended the discussion virtually and said that he had been speaking about a Mondo track at Patiala since 2018-19… facilities at the grassroots was another thing,” shared a source to PTI who attended the meeting between sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya and elite athletes and coaches.
Need for Modernisation
Neeraj Chopra emphasised the importance of modernising sports facilities in India, not only for high-level competitions but also for nurturing young talent. The two-time Olympic medallist believes that stadiums and sports infrastructure should be accessible beyond just national camps and major events.
“He said that when India was aiming to bring the Olympics in 2036, stadiums cannot just be utilised for camps and World Cups. He said that if the country wants fresh talent, these stadiums should be utilised more along with the creation of more facilities at the grassroots, not to forget the coaches,” the source added.
Supporting Grassroots development
Neeraj Chopra also voiced his concerns about the lack of adequate infrastructure at the grassroots level. He insisted that the government invest in building more facilities across the country to help discover and develop new sporting talent. Furthermore, Chopra advocated for better training and global awareness among Indian coaches.
“Neeraj also demanded that Indian coaches should be made more aware and in sync with what’s happening around the world,” said the source. This would help ensure that India’s coaches and athletes remain competitive on the global stage.
Push for Mondotrack by Neeraj Chopra
Neeraj Chopra’s push for the Mondotrack at NIS Patiala highlights his commitment to ensuring Indian athletes receive the best possible training conditions. By equipping national facilities with the latest technology, India can better prepare its athletes for international competitions, reducing the gap in performance when competing on foreign soil.
As India continues its journey towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse, investments in infrastructure like the Mondotrack are crucial. Neeraj Chopra’s call to action serves as a timely reminder that world-class facilities are essential for producing world-class athletes.
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