(a) whether the Government proposes to provide financial support to various sports events;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is aware that young sportspersons are not able to achieve their dream of participating in the national and international sports events due to lack of financial support and infrastructural facilities; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the remedial measures being taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
[COL. RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)]
(a) & (b): Madam, the Government provides financial assistance to recognized National Sports Federations (NSFs) under its Scheme of Financial Assistance to NSFs for training and participation in international sporting events abroad, holding of national and international tournaments in India, holding of coaching camps for national level sportspersons/teams for preparation for participation in international events under Indian and foreign coaches.
(c)& (d): Madam, development of sports and sports infrastructure at state level is the responsibility of the State/UT Government as ‘Sports’ is a state subject. However, to encourage sports amongst young sportspersons at school and college level, the Government has given recognition to School Games Federation of India (SGFI) and Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and has placed them in ‘Priority’ category so that they get maximum assistance under the Scheme of Financial Assistance to NSFs.
Apart from this, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) is already implementing the following Sports Promotional Schemes to scout and nurture sports talent in the age group ranging from 8-25 years to compete at National and International level competitions across the country:
. National Sports Talent Contest Scheme (NSTC)
. Army Boys Sports Company (ABSC)
. SAI Training Centre (STC)
. Special Area Games (SAG)
. Extension Centre of STC/SAG
. Centre of Excellence (COE)
. National Sports Academies (NSA)
Accordingly, SAI has established 10 Regional Centers and 02 educational institutions to implement the above sports promotional schemes in the country through 303 SAI sports centers. Presently, 14505 talented sports persons (10195 boys and 4310 girls) are being trained in 27 sports disciplines on residential and non-residential basis.
Further, to encourage sports for all thus allowing the population across gender and all age groups to harness the power of sports through its cross-cutting influence, namely, holistic development of children & youth, community development, social integration, gender equality, healthy lifestyle, national pride and economic opportunities related to sports development the Government has launched Khelo India Scheme, which has following components:-
(i) Play Field Development
(ii) Community Coaching Development
(iii) State Level Khelo India Centres
(iv) Annual Sports Competitions
(v) Talent Search and Development
(vi) Utilisation and Creation/ Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure
(vii) Support to National/Regional/State Sports Academies
(viii) Physical Fitness of School going Children
(ix) Sports for Women
(x) Promotion of Sports among persons with disabilities
(xi) Sports for Peace and Development
(xii) Promotion of rural and indigenous/tribal games
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