Universities can play important role in producing International standard athletes, says Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Youth & Sports Affairs. I am planning to convene a meeting with the VC’s of 40 to 50 universities to prepare a blue print for the project, said the Minister. He was interacting with the sports personalities, office bearers of the Indian Olympic Association and other sports associations, in Chennai today.
He said that there are 943 private universities functioning in the country. Even if each university can adopt an athlete and provide them with education and international training facilities, India will be able to produce 900 to 1000 International athletes, he said.
To make a big start in this direction, various Sports Centre of Excellence have been launched under the Khelo India Project. Center of Excellence in the field of sports science is also been planned. An athlete cannot achieve anything without the support of science. There is a lot of science behind the success of athletes, said the Union Minister.
A sports science center is been planned in Sonipet, Haryana. Similar centers will be established in Bengaluru, Karnataka and Patiala, Punjab also. Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi is giving special attention to the sports field.
“Currently there are 2745 identified sporting talents across 21 sports disciplines (including Para sports) selected under Talent Search & Development, the Union Minister said, added that they are supported with financial assistance of ₹6.28 L per year that includes funding for training and travel, sports science support, diet charges, medical expenses and out of pocket allowances.
He further pointed out that the PanditDeendayalUpadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons Scheme provides for grant of suitable financial assistance to sportspersons and coaches now living in indigent condition, medical treatment, procurement of sports equipment, participation in national and international events, etc.
Identifying sporting talent at a young age, Shri Anurag Singh said, ‘more than 23 lakh school going children in the age group of 5-18 years have been assessed using the Khelo India Mobile App. More than 82,000 physical education teachers have been trained to assess the sporting prowess of children’.
A sum of ₹2438.34 crore has been sanctioned by MYAS to develop 299 sports infrastructure projects across the country he said. Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta and recently Silambam have been identified for support under the vertical of ‘Promotion of Rural and Indigenous/Tribal Games’ under the Khelo India Scheme he added.
