(a) the steps being taken by the Government to promote sports;
(b) whether the Government are contemplating to make sports a compulsory subject at school level; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
(a) the steps being taken by the Government to promote sports;
(b) whether the Government are contemplating to make sports a compulsory subject at school level; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (SHRI PON. RADHAKIRISHNAN)
(a): After the Sydney Olympic Games 2000, performance of Indian Sports Persons in Sydney Olympic Games was discussed in many meetings including the Parliamentary Standing Committee and Consultative Committee. Government is taking following initiatives/measures to improve standard of sports in India:
(i) Broadening the base- especially for competitive sports.
(ii) Improved infrastructure - for the National Teams.
(iii) Improving the knowledge of our Coaching Community.
(iv) Improving the practical knowledge of our sports scientists to enable them to contribute along with the coaches to enhance performance of sports persons.
(v) Improved functioning and professionalisation in management of Sports Federations.
(vi) Greater involvement of States in the development of Sports Infrastructure and improved training of sport persons.
(vii) Involving the private sector to adopt and sponsor individual / specific sports disciplines.
(viii) To create awareness in the general public for greater participation in sports activities.
(b) & (c): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.