Lok Sabha Question No. 1103 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-08
Subject: Training for Differently Abled Athletes
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: A. Ganeshamurthi

## Government of India Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (Department of Sports)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1103

## TO BE ANSWERD ON 08.02.2022

Training for Differently Abled Athletes

## 1103. SHRI A. GANESHAMURTHI:

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

- (a) whether several athletes, including differently abled face difficulties in competing in national level event since many of them are  not  given  proper  accommodation,  space  for  training  or  even good food during these events;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  the  details  of  action  taken  by  the  Government  to  provide necessary training, free medical facilities including physiotherapists and  psychological  support,  provision  of  disabled  friendly  material such as prosthetics, clothes and other accessories;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  has  issued  any  directive  to  the concerned organisations to allow one family member of differently abled athlete to travel for international events; and
- (e) if so, the details, thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS [SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR]

(a) to (c) For promotion of sports among differently-abled persons, this  Ministry  has  recognized  three  National  Sports  Federations (NSFs), namely  All  India Sports  Council  of the  Deaf  (AISCD), Paralympic  Committee  of  India  (PCI),  and  Special  Olympic  Bharat (SOB). Organising sports events, including the national level events is primarily the responsibility of the concerned NSFs. It is incumbent upon them to take all measures for smooth conduct of the national championships.

In 2015, this Ministry has issued guidelines directing the recognised NSFs to ensure that basic minimum facilities such as clean drinking water,  neat  &  clean  lodging  facilities,  availability  of  hygienic  and healthy  food,  disabled-friendly  toilets,  playing  arena,  as  also  for creation of Grievance Cell for players for the entire duration of the event, etc. are made  available  to  the  athletes, including the differently-abled  athletes,  during  the  conduct  of  various  national and international events.

Para-sports  is  placed  in  the  'Priority'  category  and  Government supports  the  differently-abled  athletes  at  par  with  able-bodied sportspersons.  Under  the  Scheme  of  Assistance  to  NSFs,  the differently-abled  athletes  are  supported  through  their  respective NSFs, towards their training, which includes all requisite facilities for  their  preparations,  including  a  wholesome  nutritious  diet,  food supplements, equipment support, state-of-the-art infrastructure, lodging, travelling facilities, services of reputed Indian and Foreign Coaches/supporting  staff,  which  also  includes  physiotherapists  & psychologists, scientific & medical support, sports kits, etc. Financial  assistance  for  their  training  abroad  and  participation  in international competitions in India and abroad is also provided for. Financial  assistance  is  also  provided  to  the  recognised  NSFs (including  AISCD,  PCI  and  SOB)  for  the  purpose  of  boarding  & lodging to the sportspersons in National Championships.

Under  the  Target  Olympic  Podium  Scheme  (TOPS),  Government provides  assistance  to  India's  top  athletes  in  preparations  for Olympics  and  Paralympics.  An  Out-of-Pocket  Allowance  (OPA)  of Rs.50,000/- per month is paid to the Core Group athletes. Apart from the OPA, the entire expenditure for the training plan submitted by the sportsperson is met under TOPS. Further, the TOPS Development  Group  athletes  receive  an  OPA  of  Rs.25,000/-  and customised training support at National Centres of Excellence.

- (d) & (e) As  per  instructions  issued  by  this  Ministry  in  2010,  the eligibility conditions for escorts are as under: (1) Personal  escorts  to  be  allowed  only  for  wheel-chair category para athletes. Immediate family members may be considered for the purpose. (2) General escorts @ 1 for every 4-6 athletes. Office Bearers of  PCI  will  not  be  eligible  to  accompany  the  team  as escorts.  Only  professionally  trained  persons  shall  be allowed. Further,  as  per  the  guidelines  of  the  International  Paralympic Committee,  certain disability categories are eligible for escorts. are provided  with  escorts  of  their  choice,  including  family  members,

Accordingly, all eligible Para-athletes entitled for escorts during international events.

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