Question : SPORTS ACADEMY

(a) whether the Government proposes to open a sports academy in each State with a view to promote sports in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI VIKRAM VERMA)

(a) to (c) : A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.217 FOR 16.12.2003 REGARDING SPORTS ACADEMY ASKED BY SHRI V. VETRISELVAN.

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The Government has approved a new Scheme of State Sports Academy for implementation during the Tenth Five Year Plan Period. The main objective of the Scheme is to select the best available talent in sports between the age groups of 10-13 years, as well as the top performers in State/National competitions in the age group of 10-18 years and to prepare and groom them over the years for winning medals for the country at the international level.

The scheme will be funded jointly by the Central Govt., State Govt./UT Administration and a sponsor and would be a sort of co-operative venture. The financial assistance to the Academy in respect of capital, recurring and non-recurring costs will be shared between the sponsor, the Central Govt. and the State Govt. in the ratio of 51:25:24 subject to the Central Government`s contribution being restricted to

(i) a maximum of Rs.218 lakhs or 25% of the capital/non-recurring cost whichever is less and

(ii) recurring cost subject a to maximum of Rs.17 lakhs per annum for a period of three years. The approximate cost of setting up of an academy would be Rs.9.68 crores.

The Academy will be a registered Society which will be set up and managed by the Sponsor. There would be an Executive Committee comprising of representatives of Sponsor, the Central Government, the State Government and it may also include representatives of National Sports Federations, State Sports Associations, eminent Sports Persons and Arjuna Awardees, etc.

(c) : Does not arise.