Question : Policy for Promotion of Sports

(a) whether the Government has initiated any policy or programme for promotion of sports among rural youths;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the outcomes and achievements made in this regard;

(c) whether the Government proposes to start any such programme for increasing participation of rural youths in sports;

(d) whether the Government proposes to construct sports ground in rural areas of Maharashtra especially in Osmanabad/Ramteke; and

(e) if so, by when the Government would construct sports ground in the said areas and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS { SHRI KIREN RIJIJU }

(a) to (c) The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports is running schemes for promotion of sports as well as attaining excellence in sports. These schemes include:-

(i) Khelo India Scheme (ii) Assistance to National Sports Federations; (iii)Special Awards to Winners in International sports events and their Coaches; (iv) National Sports Awards, Pension to Meritorious Sports Persons; (v) National Sports Development Fund; and (vi) Sports Training Centres run through Sports Authority of India. The Ministry is also promoting rural and indigenous/tribal games under the ‘Khelo India Scheme’ and
through the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme. Most athletes benefitting under these schemes come from rural areas.

Details of these schemes are available in the public domain on the websites of this Ministry and the Sports Authority of India. The Schemes/policies of the Ministry and Sports Authority of India have resulted in increased mass participation in sports, improved performance of Indian athletes and teams in international sports events, creation/up-gradation of sports infrastructure facilities of international standards across the country, recognizing and incentivizing the achievements of outstanding and meritorious sportspersons.

(d) and (e) Project proposals, when received, are sanctioned according to the parameters of the Scheme subject to their completeness, technical feasibility and availability of funds. As on date, there is no proposal in this Ministry to construct sports ground in rural areas of Maharashtra especially in Osmanabad/Ramteke.

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