Question : SPORTS ACADEMIES

(a) whether the Government proposes to establish sports academies in various parts of the country including in tribal and rural areas;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the locations identified for the purpose;

(c) the number of proposals received by the Union Government for providing financial assistance for the development of sports academies being run by the States along with the action taken thereon, State-wise; and

(d) the steps taken by the Government to promote/develop such academies and provide adequate coaching/training to sportspersons?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS(SHRI JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) to (d): No, Madam. Since ‘Sports’ is in the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, primary responsibility for development and promotion of sports including establishment of sports academies is that of State Governments. However, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports supplements the efforts of the State Governments under its Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme in creation/development of sports infrastructure such as synthetic turfs of athletics/hockey/football and multipurpose halls etc. Under this scheme, State Governments, local civic bodies, schools, colleges, Universities & Sports Control Boards are eligible for financial assistance.

Ministry has no scheme to provide financial assistance for the development of sports academies, being run by the States.

Coaching/training to sportspersons is provided under the schemes of the Sports Authority of India. Assistance is also given for this purpose under the Ministry’s schemes like Talent Search & Training Scheme, Assistance to National Sports Federations and the National Sports Development Fund.