Question : PROMOTING SPORTS TALENTS

(a) whether the Government has taken any steps to nurture the raw talents/ spot new talents in the field of sports in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the funds allocated/ released/spent for the purpose during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) whether the Government has made efforts to identify the talented sportspersons in the country especially at school, block, panchayat levels in rural/backward areas and among the weaker sections for providing sports training to them so that such sports talents may come to the fore; and

(d) If so, the steps/action being taken by the Government in this regard, State-wise?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (d): Under the ‘Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan’ (PYKKA), annual competitions are conducted at the block, district, state and national level, apart from exclusive inter-school competitions, north east games and national women’s championship. These competitions provide a large base for identification and nurturing of sports talent in the country. Sports talent from these competitions are identified and admitted into various SAI training Centre’s. State-wise release of funds under PYKKA scheme for development of playfields and conduct of annual competitions for the last three years and current year are given at Annexure (I & II).