Question : Promotion of Indigenous Sports

(a) whether the Government proposes to take any measure for promotion of indigenous sports in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government has introduced or proposes to introduce any comprehensive scheme for popularization and rejuvenation of pro-poor Indian sports and games like ‘Kabaddi’, ‘Kho-Kho’, ‘Ha-du-du’, ‘Danguli’, etc. in rural areas in the country by way of financial incentives and other patronisation measures during the financial year 2016-17; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the other steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI VIJAY GOEL)

(a) & (b) Several indigenous sports such as Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Ball Badminton, Mallakhamb, Atya Patya, Sqay and Kalariyappattu are already supported under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations.

(c) & (d) Madam, there is provision for need based financial assistance for
preservation and promotion of indigenous sports under the flagship programme
of ‘Khelo India’. This scheme, inter-alia, provides for conducting sports
competitions in two age groups of (i) under 14 and (ii) under 17 all over India to
encourage mass participation of both boys and girls in sports. This scheme
includes a provision that States may decide including regional/indigenous/local
popular games as part of competition.

In addition, under the “Indigenous Games and Martial Arts” (IGMA) component
of the National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC) Scheme of the Sports Authority of
India (SAI), for revival of traditional games popular in the country, SAI has
adopted 10 schools having a total strength of 159 trainees (78 boys & 81 girls)
and the trainees under the scheme are provided with stipend at the rate of
Rs.3000/- per month per head for 10 months, sports kit at the rate of Rs.1500/-,
insurance at the rate of Rs.150/- per head per annum. Annual grant to the school
at the rate of Rs.20000/- for purchase of sports equipment and at the rate of
Rs.25,000/- per school per annum for organizing competition for scouting talent is
also given. The sports disciplines covered under the IGMA are Archery, Gatka,
kabaddi, kalarippayattu, Mukna, Thang-Ta, Silambam, Khomlainai and
Mallakhamb.
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