Lok Sabha Question No. 1459 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-07-26
Subject: Sports Centres for Differently-abled Persons
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: DUSHYANT CHAUTALA

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1459 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2018

Sports Centres for Differently-abled Persons

1459. SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA:

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

- (a)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  set  up  a  state-of-the-art national  sports  centre  in  the  country  for  differently-abled  persons  to enable  them  to  effectively  compete  in  Paralympics,  Deaflympics, Special Olympics and various other international sports and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  the  Government  proposes  to  identify  differently-abled persons for training to enable them to participate in such international events through these centres;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS {COL. RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (RETD.)}

- (a) To promote sports among the Paralympic sportspersons, Sports Authority  of  India  (SAI)  has  established  a  Para  Centre  under  its  SAI Training Centre Scheme at SAI Netaji Subhas Western Centre (NSWC), Gandhinagar  in  2016-2017.  The  SAI  NSWC  Gandhinagar  has  been declared as a Centre for Excellence for Para Athletes and accordingly the sports infrastructure available at the NSWC, Gandhinagar has been

upgraded  and  made  disabled  friendly  for  regular  training  of  Para Athletes.

(b) to (d) During  2017-18,  SAI  had  identified  13  prospective  para athletes in the disciplines of Athletics, Swimming & Power Lifting who were provided with regular sports training to excel in the national & international competitions.

In preparation for participation in various international competitions in different sports disciplines, coaching camps are mainly organized at SAI Netaji Subhas Western Centre, Gandhinagar, SAI Ch. Devi  Lal  Northern  Regional  Centre,  Sonepat  and  SAI  Netaji  Subhas Southern  Centre,  Bangalore.  Furthermore,  all  the  SAI  Stadiums  and training centres have been made disabled-friendly and up-gradation of the  same  is  carried  out  from  time  to  time  to  ensure  comfort  of differently-abled athletes.

Further,  differently-abled  elite  athletes  are  provided  with  all requisite infrastructure and facilities for their training and participation in international events. NSWC, Gandhinagar of SAI has been identified as  the  main  centre  for  holding  the  sports  activities  pertaining  to differently-abled athletes and the Centre is well equipped and differently-abled friendly.

In addition, the Ministry under its Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) have identified athletes from various disciplines, who have the potential of winning an Olympics/Paralympics medal.  These athletes, other  than  being  provided  an  out  of  pocket  allowance  (OPA)  of Rs.50,000/-  per  month,  are  being  funded  for  additional  expenses  at international  events,  coaching,  equipment  and  support  staff.    The athletes  under  the  Scheme  are  periodically  being  reviewed  for  their performance  and  to assess  requirement  for customized  support. Currently, 26 para-athletes are under the TOP Scheme.

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