Lok Sabha Question No. 5422 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-25
Subject: Encouragement to Rural Youth  for Sports
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Hanuman Beniwal, Raksha Nikhil Khadse

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5422 TO BE ANSWERED ON 25.07.2019

Encouragement to Rural Youth for Sports

5422.

SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL:

SHRIMATI RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE:

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

- (a) the details of steps taken to encourage the talent of rural youth and attracting them to other sports and the steps and incentives proposed to be  taken/  provided  to  the  sportspersons  to  come  into  the  mainstream, State-wise;
- (b) the funds allocated during the last two years for providing hostels to the students of rural areas;
- (c) whether the Government proposes and planning long term preparations  to  concentrate  on  the  sport  talents  across  the  country especially athletes enabling India to win more medals and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) whether  the  Government  is  trying  to  find  out  the  bottleneck  and shortcomings  for  lacking  in  sports  activity  though  having  enough  and sufficient infrastructure in various sports activities and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)

- (a) 'Sports' being a State subject promotion of sports, including encouraging,  identifying  and  nurturing  sporting  talent,  is  primarily  the responsibility of State/Union Territory  Governments. Central Government supplements  their  efforts  by  providing  assistance  to  National  Sports Federations  (NSFs),  expert  training  at  Sports  Authority  of  India  (SAI) Centres and support under Khelo India scheme. Scouting and nurturing of talent, including from rural areas, and organization of competitive events under Khelo India scheme help in promotion of sports among rural youth.

Central  Government  is  supporting  10  Regional  Centres,  4  Educational Institutions  and  273  Training  Centres  of  SAI.  These  cater  to  talented sportspersons, including those from rural areas. (b) Presently, 14236 talented sportspersons, including 8698 with residential facilities are being benefitted in 27 sports disciplines in various SAI  training  centres.    No  sanction  has  been  issued  for  funds  allocated through  SAI  for  construction  of  hostels  in  rural  areas,  as  it  is  the responsibility of State / UT Governments. (c) While scouting of sporting talent and its nurturing is responsibility of State / UT Governments, Central Government is supporting early identification  of  sporting  talent  and  its  nurturing  under  Khelo  India Scheme.  The athletes are being nurtured and trained for excellence in Regional Centres of Sports Authority of India (SAI), Academies established under  Khelo  India  Scheme  and  assisting  National  Sports  Federations (NSFs) for foreign exposure and participation in international competitions. (d) Providing  sufficient  sports  infrastructure  at  various  levels  being responsibility of State / UT Governments, Central Government is assisting them for bridging gaps in infrastructure and providing high quality sports infrastructure in Regional Centres.

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