Archive · 16 Dec 2025
MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla Pushes for North Bengal Sports Infrastructure
A member of the Rajya Sabha, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, spoke in Parliament about the need for better sports facilities in the Darjeeling hills and north Bengal.
He mentioned that this region has a long history of football and has produced many talented athletes.
However, there are not enough good stadiums or training places, which is holding back the growth of sports there.
Shringla suggested building a football academy, high-quality sports grounds, and integrated sports centers in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, and a training center in Mirik.
He also talked about the potential for adventure sports like trekking, rock climbing, and paragliding in the area.
He believes that improving these facilities will help local youth participate in state, regional, and national games and revive sports in the hills.
Rajya Sabha member Harsh Vardhan Shringla advocated for the promotion of sports infrastructure in Darjeeling hills and north Bengal.
The region has a remarkable football tradition spanning over a century but lacks adequate facilities.
Shringla proposed three integrated sports centers in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong, and one training center in Mirik.
Notable athletes from the region include Bharat Chhetri, Chandan Singh Rawat, C.S. Gurung, and Kishore Ratna Mani Rai.
The absence of modern infrastructure has stalled the region's sporting growth, pushing local talents to the margins.
- Who
- Rajya Sabha member Harsh Vardhan Shringla
- What
- Advocated for the promotion of sports infrastructure in Darjeeling hills and north Bengal
- When
- Recently, during a discussion in Rajya Sabha
- Where
- Darjeeling hills and north Bengal, India
- Why
- To revive sports in the hills and leverage the region's sporting talents and potential
- MP
- Harsh Vardhan Shringla
- Region
- Darjeeling hills and north Bengal
- Sports
- Football, hockey, indoor, adventure sports
- Proposed Facilities
- Football academy, high-quality turf ground, integrated sports centers, training center
- Notable Athletes
- Bharat Chhetri, Chandan Singh Rawat, C.S. Gurung, Kishore Ratna Mani Rai
- Current Issue
- Inadequate sports infrastructure
- Potential Sports
- Trekking, rock climbing, paragliding, mountain biking, river activities