(a) whether the Government has taken steps for eradicating gender disparity in sports;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken to encourage women participation in sports;
(c) whether various schemes for promoting sports in the country provides for the distinctive dietary/training needs of sportswomen; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken to provide special incentives to distinguished sportswomen?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) & (b) Madam, Government is already providing equal opportunities and assistance to all sportspersons irrespective of their gender with regard to training, participation in national/international competitions etc. The quantum of financial assistance, cash awards and other incentives given to female athletes are at par with those given to male athletes.
(c) & (d) State of the art sports facilities are available at SAI Training Centres, Special Games Centres and Centres of Excellence of Sports Authority of India, which are spread across the country.
Government provides assistance to sportswomen at par with sportsmen for intensive coaching through Sports Authority of India besides providing foreign exposures/ competitions and State of the art equipments. The Government also provides financial assistance to meritorious sportswomen under the National Sports Development Fund for personalized training/coaching under national/international coaches, participation in international tournaments abroad etc. While imparting the training, dietary needs of the athletes are also taken into consideration.