The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has been playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian sports by implementing a range of initiatives and schemes aimed at fostering athlete development and excellence. With a vision to identify and nurture sporting talent from various age groups and backgrounds, SAI has set up 10 Regional Centres and 2 Institutional Units in different parts of the country.
The primary functions of these centers encompass a wide spectrum of activities. They are responsible for executing and monitoring sports promotional schemes in collaboration with the Government of India. This includes organizing coaching camps, facilitating national teams’ participation in international events, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment, offering coaching facilities, and ensuring exposure to competitive platforms. The centers also extend boarding, lodging, scientific training, and equipment support to selected trainees.
One of the crucial roles of these centers is to provide scientific backing to athletes to enhance their performance levels in sports. This involves strategic planning, utilization, management, and maintenance of sports infrastructure and facilities within their respective regions. Moreover, these centers serve as a vital link between the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and state governments, acting as liaisons with various organizations and sports bodies.
SAI’s commitment to promoting education in sports is evident through its collaboration with the Academic Wing at NSNIS Patiala & LNCPE Trivandrum. It conducts a spectrum of courses in coaching and physical education, ranging from Certificate and Skill Development to Diploma, Graduation, and PG Level.
The establishment of these centers and units is influenced by factors like proposals from State Governments, financial considerations, and local demand. As part of its ongoing restructuring efforts, SAI has reviewed its existing sports promotional schemes, aiming to channel resources towards achieving excellence in sports through its existing centers.
The impact of SAI’s efforts is substantial, as it has set up a total of 187 centers across the country, including National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), SAI Training Centers (STCs), and Extension Centers. These centers have provided training to a diverse pool of talented sports persons, amounting to 7,780 participants, with representation from various age groups, genders, and regions.
The comprehensive approach of SAI’s initiatives extends to the grassroots level with the Khelo India Programme. This multifaceted program aims to encourage mass participation in sports and elevate the level of sports infrastructure across the country. It includes the establishment of Khelo India State Centres of Excellence, Khelo India Centers, and the accreditation of academies to groom the nation’s young talents.
The Khelo India Programme has identified 2,510 athletes across 21 sports disciplines as Khelo India Athletes (KIA). This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing talent, promoting active participation, and enhancing the sports ecosystem in the country.
The Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur, highlighted these efforts in a recent Lok Sabha session, shedding light on SAI’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting excellence in Indian sports. The amalgamation of these initiatives paints a promising picture for the future of sports in the nation, underlining the holistic approach taken by the Sports Authority of India.
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