‘Sports’ being a State subject, the responsibility of promotion of sports culture and opening sports academies rests with State Governments. Government of India supplements the efforts of State Governments and National Sports Federations (NSFs) under its various schemes such as Khelo India, Assistance to National Sports Federations and by providing training facilities in Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centres.Under Khelo India scheme, Academies are accredited for training of young talents selected for Long Term Athlete Development Programme (LTAD) under the Talent search and Development vertical of the Scheme. At present, 20 sports disciplines are covered under this vertical namely; Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Fencing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Rowing, Shooting, Swimming, Table-Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

The selected trainees are provided support in the form of expert coaches, sports equipments, boarding and lodging, sports kit, competition exposure, educational expenses, medical/ insurance and stipend as per norms. Talent Search and Development vertical of Khelo India Scheme provides for financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh per annum to a young athlete identified for LTAD. 2437sporting talents across 20 sports disciplines have been selected under Talent Search & Development.

This Information was given by the Minister of State (I/C) Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

*****

YKB/TFK

(Release ID: 1577713) Visitor Counter : 911