Question : Facilities to Para-Athletes

(a) the details of steps taken/being taken by the Government to provide world class facilities to para-athletes to train them for various International competitions including Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games;

(b) whether the Government has taken any steps to set up facilities for rehabilitation, fitness training and sports science for para-athletes and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the para-athletes are given assistance under Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) or any other scheme and if so, the details thereof; and

(d) the details of measures taken by the Government to make the existing stadiums, training centres and other sport facilities more accessible to the para-athletes?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(COL. RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (RETD.))

(a) to (c) Preparation of Indian sportspersons / teams for international competitions including Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games is an ongoing process. This Ministry has recognised Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) as National Sports Federation (NSF) for promotion of sports among para-athletes and grants maximum financial assistance. Under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations, financial assistance is provided to NSFs, including the PCI, for preparation of athletes.

The funding covers, inter-alia, expenditure on equipment, state-of-the-art infrastructure, lodging, services of reputed Indian and Foreign Coaches/supporting staff, scientific & medical support, training abroad and participation in international competitions in India and abroad. Further, Para-athletes are also given assistance under the Target Olympic Podium (TOP) Scheme for their customized training within the country and abroad. In addition, athletes included in TOPS are given out of pocket allowance at the rate of Rs. 50,000 per month. The Khelo India Scheme being implemented by this Ministry also has a vertical, namely, Promotion of Sports among persons with disabilities” for targeted support to sportspersons with disabilities.

Sports Science/ Medicine Centres have been established in the Regional Centres and Academic Institutions under Sports Authority of India (SAI). List of such centres is in Annexure – I. Further, the Government provides financial assistance to different institutions for establishment of sports science/medicine department. The list of institutions, who have been selected for financial assistance for the purpose is in Annexure – II. These centres will cater to the needs of all athletes, including para athletes.

(d) Sports is a State subject and development of sports, including developing infrastructural support to sportspersons, is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments. Accordingly, making existing stadiums, training centres and other sport facilities more accessible to the para-athletes is the responsibility of owners of the facilities under different statutes of the Government. As regards facilities of the different institutions under the aegis of this Ministry is concerned, they are being made disabled friendly.

The Government has, however, identified the Netaji Subhas Western Centre, Gandhinagar of Sports Authority of India (SAI) and developed it as the main centre for holding sports activities pertaining to differently-abled athletes.
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