(a) whether the standard of sports in the country has declined;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor and the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government for promotion and development of sports in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) No, Madam.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) Madam, ‘Sports’ is a State subject. Promotion and development of various disciplines of sport is primarily the responsibility of the States and of the relevant National Sports Federations (NSFs) which are autonomous in their functioning. The Government of India supplements the efforts of the NSFs and the States though various schemes. Under the Scheme of Assistance to the National Sports Federations, financial assistance is provided to NSFs for participation in international competitions abroad, holding international competitions in India, conducting national championships, purchase of equipments, conduct of coaching camps, hiring of foreign coaches etc.
Under Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan, integrated sports complexes each costing Rs. 1.75 crore, will be constructed in every rural block panchayat in the country and sports competitions will be conducted to identify talent.
Under Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS), assistance from Rs. 4.5 crores to 6.00 crores is provided to States/UTs and other entities for laying of synthetic athletic track and synthetic hockey field and construction of multipurpose hall. There are also schemes for promotion of sports among persons with disabilities, human resource development in sports, pension to meritorious sportspersons, national welfare fund for sportspersons, scheme of national sports awards and cash awards.
Sports Authority of India has also been implementing various promotional schemes in which training by experienced coaches with scientific back-up is provided to sportspersons to achieve excellence at national/international level. The Scheme include National Sports Talent Contest Scheme (NSTC), Army Boys Sports Company (ABCS), SAI Training Centre (STC), Special Area Games (SAG), Centre of Excellence (COE) and Come and Play Scheme.