Question : TRAINING TO POOR SPORTS PERSONS

:

(a) the number of sports persons belonging to economically weaker sections provided with scientific training to compete in International Sporting events during each of the last three years and the current year,

(b) the number of sports disciplines in which talented young children between 8 to 14 years have been identified during the said period, State-wise;

(c) the number of national sports talent competitions organised during the said period, State-wise;

(d) whether the entire expenses of the poor talented players are borne by the Sports Authority of India;

(e) if so, the details thereof, and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)

(a) Around 15,000 trainees are availing themselves of scientific training in various sports disciplines in Sports Authority of India (SAI) during last 3 years, which includes sportspersons belonging to weaker sections. No separate database is maintained regarding trainees belonging to weaker sections.

(b) The disciplines covered are athletic, archery, boxing, badminton, basketball, football, gymnastic, hockey, judo, swimming, Kabaddi, wrestling, weightlifting, Volleyball, table tennis, tennis, handball and kayaking & canoeing.

(c) The National Sports competitions are organized by the respective National Sports Federations for sub-junior, junior and senior levels. Sports Authority of India picks up the talented sportspersons from such competition and inducts them under various sports promotional schemes of SAI.

(d) to (f): SAI provides residential accommodation, scientific training, diet, sports kit and competition expenses free of cost.