Operation Kalari will transform the sports sector

OJ Janeesh | Photo credit: TH

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister OJ Janeesh announced Operation Kalari for a comprehensive overhaul of the sports sector. Operation Kalari will emphasize not only the development of basic infrastructure for the modernization of the sports sector, but also the solution of the shortcomings of existing facilities.

The minister said that Operation Kalari (Kerala Alliance for Local Athletic Revamp and Infrastructure) aims to give new life to sports assets in the state and their professional maintenance. The main objective of Kalari will be to develop infrastructure in stadiums, swimming pools, sports hostels and gymnasiums across the state, their maintenance, renovation and proper equipment.

PPP model

The initiative will be implemented in a public-private partnership model. The sports property under the Sports Department, Kerala State Sports Council, District Sports Councils and local bodies will be repaired, renovated, equipped with sports equipment and properly maintained with the support of sponsors. Kalari will ensure public ownership of the facility and professional care, use sponsorship support and prioritize athletes.

Sponsors can become part of the initiative in various ways. They can undertake construction and electrical work through maintenance and renovation sponsorships, lawn renovations, floodlight installation and restroom renovations. Through the adoption model, they can take responsibility for a sports facility for a period of three to five years. They can also provide modern gym equipment, digital scoreboards and playing mats through equipment sponsorships.

Another option is sponsoring basic infrastructure for athletes. With this sponsorship, they can improve their dormitories, changing rooms, facilities for physiotherapy facilities. Operation Kalari also emphasizes the creation of facilities for sportswomen and the differently-abled.

A State level committee chaired by Sports Secretary has been formed for convergence under this scheme. Sports Kerala Foundation is the official project management agency of Operation Kalari. A dashboard is being prepared to ensure the transparency of the scheme. Through the dashboard, the public can view a list of sponsorship assets, sponsors, work progress, photos before and after the renovation. In the first phase, the project will be implemented in selected 25-50 assets across the state. After a review in six months, the project will be expanded for implementation across the state.

Published – 24 Jul 2026 22:41 IST