Lok Sabha Question No. 4907 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-03-25
Subject: Encouragement to Talented Players
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Chunni Lal Sahu, Mohan Mandavi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. †4907 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.03.2021

Encouragement to Talented Players

†4907. SHRI CHUNNI LAL SAHU: SHRI MOHAN MANDAVI:

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

- (a) whether special drive is being run by the Government to encourage the talented players;
- (b) if so, the number of players encouraged during the last three years and the current year along with the manner  in which they have been encouraged;
- (c)  the  process  involved  in  the  selection  of  talented  players  in  the  States and national level sports competition;
- (d) whether any negligence committed by the sports boards in the selection process has come to the notice of the Government; and
- (e) if so, the corrective steps taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS { SHRI KIREN RIJIJU }

- (a) and (b) The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through Sports Authority of  India  (SAI)  is  implementing  the  following  sports  promotional  schemes across the country to identify talented sports persons and nurture them to excel at national and international competitions:-
- National Centres of Excellence (NCOE)
- SAI Training Centre (STC)
- Extension Centre of STC
- National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC)

Presently,  9225  talented  athletes  (5681  boys  and  3544  girls)  are  being trained in 27 sports disciplines on residential and non-residential basis. This Ministry is also implementing several other schemes for preparations of athletes for Olympics, Paralympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games as mentioned below:Target  Olympic  Podium  Scheme  (TOPS):  It  is  a  flagship  athlete-centric programme wherein assistance is provided to India's top athletes in their preparations for the Olympics and Paralympics. Scheme  of  Assistance  to  NSFs:  Government  provides  assistance  to  elite sportspersons  preparing  for  major  international  events  such  as  Olympic Games,  Asian  Games,  Commonwealth  Games  etc.  by  providing  funding support  through  its  scheme  of  Scheme  of  Assistance  to  National  Sports Federations  (NSFs),  also  known  as  Annual  Calendar  for  Training  and Competition (ACTC). As part of this scheme, NSFs are provided funding for organizing  training  camps  which  includes  training,  accommodation  and dietary costs as well. Khelo India Scheme: The Khelo India Scheme continues to support young athletes towards broad basing support for Indian sports. The mission is to encourage  sports  all  over  the  country  thus  allowing  the  population  to harness  the  power  of  sports  through  its  cross-cutting  influence,  namely, holistic  development  of  children  &  youth,  community  development,  social integration, gender equality, healthy lifestyle, national pride and economic opportunities related to sports development. Athletes are selected from all over  India  covering  tribal,  rural  and  backward  areas  of  the  country.  2969 athletes in 24 sports disciplines (including Para sports) have been notified after  being  finally  selected  from  various  national  championships,  open selection trials, and assessment camps from Khelo India Games. (c) The process of selection of talented players in the States /National level sports  competitions  as  per  approved  selection  criteria  of  the  SAI  sports promotional schemes and Khelo India Scheme is at Annexure. (d) No, Sir. (e) Does not arise.

ANNEXURE  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PART  (c)  OF  LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED  QUESTION  NO.  †4907  TO  BE  ANSWERED  ON  25.03.2021 REGARDING 'ENCOURAGEMENT TO TALENTED PLAYERS' ASKED BY SHRI CHUNNI  LAL  SAHU  AND  SHRI  MOHAN  MANDAVI,  HON'BLE  MEMBERS  OF LOK SABHA

PROCESS  OF SELECTION OF TALENTED  PLAYERS  IN THE STATES /NATIONAL LEVEL SPORTS COMPETITIONS AS PER APPROVED SELECTION CRITERIA OF THE SAI SPORTS PROMOTIONAL SCHEMES AND KHELO INDIA SCHEME

- A. SAI Sports Promotional Schemes
- I. National Centres of Excellence (NCOE)

Admission  Criteria:  Talent  Identification  and  Development  Committees  of  all  the discipline are empowered to select/ weed out athletes from NCOEs.

- II. SAI Training Centres (STCs)

Selection Criteria

Criteria for Induction: Age: 12 to 18 years.

(a)  Individual Events: Upto eighth (08) place in Sub-Junior (including Cadet) and Junior National Championships organized by a recognized National Sports Federation and upto sixth (06) place in Inter-University Championships conducted by Association of Indian Universities,  and  School  Games  Federation  of  India  during  the  current  or  the  year preceding admission.

OR

Sports persons who obtain first three (03) places in the State Championship Conducted by the recognized State Sports Association.

OR

Sports persons who secure any of the first three (03) positions in the North East Games and PYKKA National Rural and Women Championships.

OR

Sports person who has represented India in any recognized Championship/ Tournament by the recognized international federation concerned.

OR

The first three (03) position-holders of District Championships, Inter-Education District Level  small  Competition,  Championships  held  by  Confederation  of  Public  Schools, CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya, PYKKA, etc.; may be considered for participation in the selection trials.

- b) Team Events:
2. (i)  Age: 10 to 18 years.

The talent who could not reach the minimum level of motor quality as per battery of tests may be provisionally  selected  for six  months  and  only  after  passing  the  motor quality  tests  and  specific  skill  test  subsequently,  formal  induction  may  be  made,  if found fit.

Training diary of each individual trainee must be maintained, which will be taken into consideration at the time of retention and weeding out process.

Performance criteria for induction:

Any  member of  a  team  which  has  obtained  first  four  (4)  positions  in  Sub-Junior  and Junior National Championships organized by recognized National Sports Federation and first two  (02) position holder in Inter-Zonal and  Inter-University  Championships conducted by Association of Indian Universities and School Games Federation of India.

OR

Member  of  a  team  which  obtained  first  (01)  or  second  (02)  position  in  the  State Championship organized by a recognized State Sports Association.

OR

Sports  person  who  has  represented  India as  a  member  of  the  Sub-Junior  and Junior team in any recognized Championship/Tournament for which team was officially sent by the Govt. of India.

OR

Member of Winner and Runners-up in team games in the North East Games.

OR

Sports  persons  who  have  participated  in  the  recognized  State  level  competitions organized  by  State  Sports  Associations,  State  Sports  Council,  and  State  Sports Departments may be considered for participation in the selection trials.

Pre-condition for Admission: The admission in the above two categories may be made based  on  the  performance  indicators,  Anthropometric  measurement,  Physiological  & Psychological tests  and depending  on  age,  discipline,  event  and evaluation  of  future potential by appearing in the selection Tests. There will be no direct admission. The admission will be only on the basis of performance and battery of test result and are to be documented at the time of induction.

Lateral  Entry:  Those  who  achieved  the  desired  performance  in  the  District,  State, National and International level competitions and successfully completed the battery of tests, technical and specific skill tests may be inducted at any time of the year.

Retention  Criteria:  Retention  of  the  athlete  is  based  on  his/her  maintaining  the minimum  level  of  performance  on  the  basis  of  which  he/she  was  admitted  and  also achieving the target set for the year.

Battery of test result, specific test result and performance appraisal record considered at the time of admission should be properly documented as base performance so as to compare the performance enhancement of the trainees periodically.

Training diary of each individual trainee is maintained, which is taken into consideration at the time of retention and weeding out.

Medical Check-up, and Age Verification is essential especially when admission is done on  the  basis  of  performance  in  the  Sub-Junior  and  Junior  level  Competitions  as  an effective preventive measure against age fraud.

## Weeding out:

- a) Not maintaining the expected level of performances.
- b) Injury in capacitating for more than six months from training and or competition; and
- c) Dope abuse, age fraud, misconduct etc.

Monitoring, Half Yearly Scientific  Assessment  &  Academic  backup  for  trainees admitted:

- a) Close monitoring and half yearly scientific assessment of all trainees admitted is done by the Institutional/Regional Heads by engaging the services of in-house sports science facilities or through renowned Sports Science Institutions.
- b) As far as possible, efforts are made admission in nearby schools;
- c) Induction  of  talent  may  be  a  continuous  process  instead  of  linking  with Academic session so as to enable SAI to admit the talent whenever a talent is spotted and found eligible for admission

Relaxation in the retention of trainees beyond the age of 18 years of age and up to 21 years can be considered by the Head of Academic Institutions/Regions in special cases only where there is strong justification based on performance and future prospects.

## III. Extension Centres of STCs

## Selection of Trainees:

Up to 20 trainees in a School/College are adopted under the Scheme.  The students of nearby schools/colleges can also be admitted.  The selection of athletes is done by a duly constituted Committee consisting of (1) Regional Director (SAI) or his representative (2) The  Head of the College/Institute or his representative (3) Experts/Coaches from the school/college of  the  concerned  discipline  (4)  Outstanding sports  persons  of  the  area.  Age  is  relaxed  in  cases  of  commendable  results  / exceptional talent.

These Extension Centres are attached to nearest STC and monitored by Heads of SAI Regional Centres under whom the respective School/College falls.

## Selection Criteria

Schools:

Individual Events: Any of first four positions holders of  District Championships, Inter-Educational Institutions District Level Competitions held by the Confederation of

- (a) Public Schools, CBSE, KVs, JNVs.
- (b) Team Games: Winner or Runners-up of District Championships, Inter-Educational Institutions  District  Level  Competitions  held  by  the  Confederation  of  Public  Schools, CBSE, KVs, JNVs and PYKKA and qualify under Battery of Tests as per the norms.

Colleges:

(a) Individual:  Upto  4 th   place/  position  holders  in  the  Sub-Junior  and  Junior  State Championships  organized  by  recognized  State  Sports  Associations, Inter-College Championships  conducted  by  the  University  and  State  level  SGFI  Championships organized as per SGFI norms. (b) Team Games: Winner or Runners-up of District Championships, Inter-Educational Institutions  District  Level  Competitions  held  by  the  Confederation  of  Public  Schools,

- CBSE, KVS, JNVS and PYKKA and qualify under Battery of Tests as per the norms.

Universities:

Individual &Team:

Sports  persons  who  have  represented  University,  State  in  the  Zonal  /  National Championships organized by Association of Indian Universities and by recognized State Association/National Sports Federations.

Age:

10 to 18 years.

The performance of the trainees in the battery of tests and achievements at the time of induction should be clearly documented.

The trainees, who failed in the Battery of tests are provisionally selected and will  be evaluated after six months for retention.

Battery of tests result, specific test result and  performance appraisal record considered  at the  time  of  admission  should  be  properly  documented  as  base performance  so as to compare  the  performance  enhancement  of  the  trainees periodically.

Pre-condition for Admission: The admission in the above two categories may be made based  on  the  performance  indicators,  Anthropometric  measurement,  Physiological  & Psychological tests  and depending  on  age,  discipline,  event  and evaluation  of  future potential and battery of test results and are to be documented at the time of induction.

Lateral  Entry:  Those  who  achieved  the  desired  performance  in  the  District,  State, National and International level competitions and successfully completed the battery of tests, technical and specific skill tests may be inducted at any time of the year.

Retention  Criteria:  Retention  of  the  inmate  will  be  based  on  his/her  maintaining  the minimum level of performance on the basis of which the inmate was admitted and also achieving the target set for the year.

Weeding out:

- a) Not maintaining the expected level of performance
- b) Dope abuse, age fraud, misconduct.

Monitoring,  Half  Yearly  Scientific  Assessment  &  Academic  back  up  for  trainees admitted:

- a) It is recommended that close monitoring and half early scientific assessment of all  trainees  admitted  may  be  done  by  Institutional/Regional  Heads  by  engaging  the services of in-house sports science facilities or by engaging the services of renowned
- b) As  far  as  possible,  efforts  must  be  made  to  set  up  National  Open  Schooling System under NIOS, Ministry of HRD and Indira Gandhi Open University to do away with
- c) Induction  of  talent  may  be  a  continuous  process  instead  of  linking  with Academic session so as to enable SAI to admit the talent whenever a talent is spotted

Sports Science Institutions. the regular academic pressure on the talent admitted. and found eligible for admission.

- d) Concerted efforts may be under-taken with various Public Sectors/Armed Forces/ Corporate to ensure social/job security of the inducted inmates.

Relaxation: However relaxation both for lower and upper age limit as well as induction can be granted in exceptional cases based on outstanding performance in Battery of Tests and also taking into account specific nature of sports limited to 25% of the new induction.

IV. National Talent Contest Schemes (NSTC)

Selection Criterion

Regular Schools (NSTC)

Age: 8 to14 years.

The performance of the trainees in the battery of tests and achievements at the time of induction should be clearly documented.

Individual/Team Events:

- a. Trainees,  who  are  medal  winners  in  State/National  Level  Competitions  are admitted into the scheme, subject, to their being found medically fit. b. Trainees who  are medal  winners at District Level Competition or have participation in State Level Competitions are admitted subject to their being found fit medically  and  physically  and  also  have  the  required  potential  which  is  assessed  by battery of tests. c. For  selection  from  the  remote,  tribal  &  coastal  areas,  the  trainees  are  also selected  by  organizing  competitions  among  participants.  Selection  is  done  by  a selection  committee  consisting  of  representatives  of  SAI,  School/  Akharas,  SAI coaches, sports scientists etc. The sports persons identified on this basis are offered admission after age verification, medical examination and on found suitable by applying battery of tests.

Pre-condition for Admission:

The admission in the above two categories may be made based on the performance indicators,  Anthropometric  measurement,  Physiological  &  Psychological  tests  and depending on age, discipline, event and evaluation  of  future  potential  and  battery  of test result and are to be documented at the time of induction.

Retention Criteria:

Retention  of  the  athletes  will  be  based  on  his/her  maintaining  the  minimum  level  of performance on the basis of which the inmate was admitted and also achieving the target set for the year.

Weeding out:

a) Not maintaining the expected level of performance

- b) Dope abuse, age fraud, misconduct.

Monitoring,  Half  Yearly  Scientific  Assessment  &  Academic  back  up  for  trainees admitted:

It  is  recommended that close monitoring and half yearly scientific assessment of all trainees  admitted  may  be  done  by  Institutional/Regional  Heads  by  engaging  the services of in-house sports science facilities or by engaging the services of renowned Sports Science Institutions.

Relaxation: However, relaxation both for lower and upper age limit as well as induction can be granted in exceptional cases based on outstanding performance in Battery of Tests and also taking into account specific nature of sports, for which prior approval of DG, SAI would be needed.

Indigenous Games and Martial Arts (IGMA) (Sub-Scheme of NSTC)

With a view to promote indigenous games & martial arts in the schools in rural and semi-urban areas and scouting of talent in these games for nurturing in modern sports this scheme was launched in November, 2001 schools runs by Educational Institutions having cluster of Schools like Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, DAV, Vidya Bharati  &  similarly  placed  institutions  for  promotion  &  development  of  indigenous games & martial arts were also included as part of NSTC Scheme.

Selection Criteria

Age: 8 to14 years.

The performance of the trainees in the battery of tests and achievements at the time of induction should be clearly documented.

Selection Criteria for Induction:

- a. Talents,  who  are  medal  winners  in  State/National  Level  Competitions  are

admitted into the scheme, subject, to their being found medically fit. have participation in State Level Competitions are admitted subject to their being found fit

- b. Talents who are medal winners at District Level Competition or medically and physically.

c. The scouting of the talent in indigenous games is to be done on the basis of open competitions among  participants. Selection is done by a selection committee consisting  of  representatives  of  SAI,  Institutions,  SAI  coaches,  guru/mentor  of  the concerned  game.  The  sports  persons  identified  on  this  basis  are  offered  admission after age verification, medical examination etc.

## Retention Criteria:

a) Retention of the inmate will be based on his/her maintaining the minimum level of performance on the basis of which the inmate was admitted and also achieving the target set for the year.

Weeding out:

a) Not maintaining the expected level of performance

- b) Dope abuse, age fraud, misconduct.

Monitoring: Close monitoring and half yearly evaluation of the adopted Clubs/Institutions is carried out through Institutional Heads/ Regional Centres. Exceptionally  talented  boys  &  girls  may  be  admitted  in  the  SAI  SAG  Centre  or  SAI Sports Academy as per the discipline and eligibility criteria.

Relaxation: However relaxation both for lower and upper age limit as well as induction can be granted by DG SAI in exceptional cases based upon outstanding performance in Battery of Tests and also taking into account specific nature of sports, for which prior approval of DG, SAI would be needed.

## Adopted Akharas under NSTC Scheme

Selection Criteria: The selection criterion of NSTC regular adopted schools is applied for selecting talented wrestlers.

## B. KHELO INDIA SCHEME

For identification and selection of athletes under Khelo India Scheme, this Ministry has put  in  place  a  two-tier  structure  consisting  of  Talent  Scouting  Committee  (TSC)  and Talent Identification and Development Committee (TIDC) for selection of players.

The  players  are  selected/identified  from  various  streams  like  Khelo  India  Games, National  Championships  conducted  by  the  concerned  National  Sports  Federations, School Games Federation of India, etc. Further, the players shortlisted by the TSC from various  competitions  of  same/varied  age  groups  are  called  for  an  assessment  camp wherein the TIDC finally selects the talented players, who are then subjected to age verification test. The players who clear the age verification test are finally selected to the Khelo India Scheme with the approval of the High Powered Committee (HPC).

In individual events, usually position holders are inducted into the scheme whereas in team events short-listing is done initially and then the selection takes place during the assessment camp.

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