Lok Sabha Question No. 503 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-13
Subject: Promotion of Paralympics
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: JAYSHREEBEN  PATEL

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †503 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.12.2018

Promotion of Paralympics

†503. SHRIMATI JAYSHREEBEN PATEL:

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

- (a)  the  details  of  provisions  made  under  Khelo  India  Scheme  to promote, encourage and impart training to para athletes;
- (b) the annual budgetary allocation made in this regard;
- (c)  the  achievement  of  India  in  the  last  Commonwealth/International Paralympics; and
- (d) the manner in which sportspersons are being encouraged for better performance in Paralympics?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)

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

- (a) & (b) The Khelo India Scheme has a dedicated vertical, namely, 'Promotion  of  Sports  among  persons  with  disabilities'  for  supporting athletes  with  disabilities  which  includes  Para-athletes.  The  funds provided  under  this  head  can  be  used  for  classification  of  players, equipment, training and preparation of teams, holding of competitions / events etc. As per the notified scheme the indicative estimated budget for this vertical for the years 2018-19 and 2019-20 is Rs.15 crore each year.
- (c) In  the  Paralympic  Games  2016,  Indian  para  athletes  won  04 medals (02 Gold, 01 silver and 01 bronze). In the last Commonwealth Games held at Gold Coast, Australia in 2018 Indian Athletes won 66

medals (26 Gold, 20 Silver and 20 Bronze) including 01 Bronze medal in Para power-lifting event. In the last Asian Para Games held at Jakarta, Indonesia  in  2018  Indian  Para  Athletes  won  72  medals  (15  Gold,  24 Silver and 33 Bronze).

(d) Government has recognized Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for development and promotion of para sports events controlled by it. Also all para sports have  been  placed  in  the  'Priority'  category  so  that  it  is  eligible  for maximum  financial  assistance  under  the  Scheme  of  Assistance  to NSFs.

Sports  Authority  of  India  (SAI)  has  established  a  Centre  of Excellence  for  Para  Athletes  at  SAI  Netaji  Subhas  Western  Centre (NSWC), Gandhinagar for regular training of Para Athletes.

In preparation for participation in various international competitions  including  Paralympics  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 Stadia and training centres are made disabledfriendly and up-gradation of the same is carried out from time to time to ensure comfort of differently-abled athletes.

In addition, the Ministry under its Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) identifies  athletes  from  various  disciplines  including  the  Para Athletes  who  have  the  potential  of  winning  medal.  These  athletes, other  than  being  provided  an  out  of  pocket  allowance  (OPA)  of Rs.50,000/-  per  month,  are  funded  for  additional  expenses  for  their coaching, equipment, support staff etc. The athletes under the Scheme are  also  periodically  reviewed  for  their  performance  and  to  assess requirement for customized support.

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