Question : SETTING UP OF SPORTS INSTITUTIONS

(a) the criteria adopted to set up national sports schools/universities/academies in the country;

(b) whether the Government proposes to set up the said sports institutions in various parts of the country including remote and far-flung areas;

(c) if so, the present status thereof and the funds allocated/spent for the purpose, sports institution and State/UT-wise;

(d) whether due to non-availability of sports infrastructure and other sports facilities, talented sports persons in the country are not able to excel in their respective games; and

(e) if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard, State/UT-wise?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS
(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) to (c) The Government of India proposes to set up National Sports Academies (NSA) for Seniors and Juniors at various places in the country to nurture sporting talent spotted through various avenues. The Government also proposes to set up a National Sports University in Manipur. However the schemes are in conceptual stage and hence it would not be possible to furnish further details at this juncture.

(d) & (e) Sports being a state subject, it is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments and the National Sports Federations (NSFs) concerned for promotion and development of various sports disciplines in the country. The Ministry only supplements the efforts of State Governments and the NSFs in this direction by providing financial assistance in accordance with the approved pattern under the following Schemes:

i. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA): Funds are granted to the Governments of States/Union Territories for construction of a sports complex in each block of the country for both indoor and outdoor disciplines and conduct of annual sports competitions, viz., Rural Sports Competitions, Women Sports Competitions, North East Games, and Competitions in Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas.

ii. Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS) : 100% financial assistance, subject to stipulated ceilings are provided to State Governments, Local Civic Bodies, School, Colleges and Universities under Central/State Governments, and Sports Control Boards for development of Synthetic playing surface (for Hockey, and Athletics) and for Multipurpose Indoor Hall.

iii. Scheme of ‘Assistance to National Sports Federation’: for organizing national/ international competitions, organizing coaching camp, engagement of foreign coaches, equipment support etc.

In addition, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has the following Sports Promotional Schemes which are implemented uniformly throughout the country:

i. National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC)

ii. Army Boys Sports Company (ABSC)

iii. SAI Training Centres (STC)

iv. Special Area Games (SAG) Extension Centres of STC/SAGs

v. Centre of Excellence (COE)

The Government also provides full assistance for intensive coaching of the national teams through national coaching camps organized by the Sports Authority of India besides providing Foreign Exposures / Competitions and State of the art equipment. The Government also provides financial assistance to meritorious sportspersons under National Sports Development Fund for personalized training/coaching under national /international coaches, participation in international tournaments held in India and abroad and purchase of sports equipment.