THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS(SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a): The Government of India released Rs.121 crore as one time Additional Central Assistance (ACA) to the Government of Kerala towards creation/ upgradation of sports infrastructure and sports facilities for conduct of 35th National Games held in Kerala from 31st January to 14th February 2015. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports does not maintain data about the expenditure incurred by the Government of Kerala on conduct of 35th National Games.
Government of India released Rs.67 crore as one time Additional Central Assistance (ACA) for 34th National Games held in Jharkhand in 2011.
(b): Sports Authority of India (SAI) has international standard sports facilities at its various centres including the ones at Patiala, Bhopal and Bangalore. These are equally available to deserving women athletes. No discrimination in the matter of providing sports facilities to women athletes has been brought to the notice of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
(c): The details of achievement of sportspersons and teams in terms of medals won, sports discipline wise, in 35th National Games, Kerala are given in the Annexure.
(d) & (e): As per information obtained from the Government of Kerala one petition alleging irregularities in the conduct of 35th National Games has been received by them and this is being enquired into by the Government of Kerala.
(f): Selection of sportspersons for participation in forthcoming Rio Olympic 2016 will be as per the qualifying norms prescribed by the Organizing Committee of Rio Olympics, 2016. However, training of identified sportspersons/ teams for Rio Olympics 2016 is an ongoing process and the same is being done in accordance with the Annual Calendar of Training & Competitions (ACTC) finalized in consultation with concerned National Sports Federations (NSFs).
Further, a progamme, namely TOP (Target Olympic Podium) Scheme, has been formulated within the overall ambit of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) with the objective of identifying and supporting potential medal prospects for 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. Focused disciplines will be Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Wrestling, Weightlifting and Shooting. The selected athletes will be provided financial assistance for their customized training at Institutes having world class facilities and other necessary support. Benchmark for selection of athletes under the scheme will be in relation to international standards. There will be annual/ semi-annual review of performance of selected athletes.
Total 75 athletes are proposed to be identified for Olympic 2016. 45 athletes have been identified through a process of research and consultation with the concerned stakeholders. 30 more athletes are being identified.
