Question : Potential for Growth of Sports

(a) whether the Government is aware that the country has a huge potential for growth of sports and games to produce Champions;

(b) if so, whether the Government is also aware that there is a need to focus on training and encouragement to achieve further in the sports and games;

(c) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to provide adequate training and incentives to our youth in this regard;

(d) whether the Government has any data on the number of sports champions of State and National level sports and games in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS
{ SHRI KIREN RIJIJU }
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(a) and (b) Yes Sir.

(c) ‘Sports’ being a State subject, the responsibility of promotion and development of sports including taking steps to provide adequate training and incentives to youth in this regard, rests with the State /Union Territory (UT) Governments. The Central Government supplements efforts of the State/UT Governments by providing financial assistance through National Sports Federations, training in Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centres and support under Khelo India Scheme. The Khelo India Scheme provides for support of a maximum of Rs. 5.00 lakh per annum for 8 years to identified young talented athletes to nurture their potential.

(d) to (e) The State / National level Sports Federations operate in autonomous environment. Conduct of sports competitions at State / National level is the mandate of respective State/National level sports federations. Accordingly, data on the number of sports champions of State and National level in the country is not maintained by this Ministry.
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