Lok Sabha Question No. 3737 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-12-08
Subject: Promotion of Rural Game of Wrestling
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: NITYANAND RAI

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 3737

ANSWERED ON: 08.12.2016

## Promotion of Rural Game of Wrestling

†3737. SHRI NITYANAND RAI:

Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  introduce  any  scheme  to promote ancient rural game of wrestling in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  set  up  sports  complexes  for the purpose of wrestling game in the country; and
- (d) if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with the locations identified for the purpose, State-wise including Bihar?

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

(a)  &  (b)  Madam,  promotion  and  development  of  sports  disciplines, including wrestling, is the responsibility of the concerned National Sports Federations  (NSF).  Central  Government  supplements  the  efforts  of  the NSFs by providing financial assistance under the Scheme of Assistance to NSFs for various  activities  such  as  holding  coaching  camps  for  national level  sportspersons,  holding  of  national  championships  and  international tournaments in India, training and participation of sportspersons/teams in international  tournaments  abroad,  procurement  of  sports  and  sports science equipment, etc.

Government  has  recognized  Wrestling  Federation  of  India  as  the  NSF responsible  for  promotion  of  wrestling  sport  in  the  country.  Government has  also  placed  wrestling  sport in  the  'high  priority'  category  so  that  it gets  maximum  financial  assistance  under  the  Scheme  of  Assistance  to National Sports Federations. Government is also implementing a National Programme  for  Development of  Sports  called  'Khelo  India'  with  the objective of mass participation of the young population in sports through annual sports competitions, identification of sporting talent, nurturing of sporting  talent  through  sports  academies.    Wrestling  is  included  in  this Programme.  Wrestling  is  also  included  in  the  various  Sports  Promotion Schemes of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

(c) & (d) Creation of sports infrastructure at Block, District and State/UT levels  is  envisaged  under  the  Khelo  India  Scheme  covering  21  sports disciplines including Wrestling. The Khelo India Scheme, inter-alia, provides for creation of sports infrastructure including Synthetic Athletic Track, Synthetic Hockey Field, Synthetic Turf Football Ground, Multipurpose hall, Swimming pool etc. The Multipurpose Halls and sports complexes  can  include  facilities  for  wrestling.  The  scheme  is  demanddriven. Proposals, complete in all respects, received from States/UTs, are considered  subject  to  feasibility and  viability of  the  proposals  and availability of funds. It is for the State / UT Government, including that of Bihar, to identify the location of the sports complexes.

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