Lok Sabha Question No. 847 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-02-07
Subject: Participation of India in International Sports for Persons with Disabilities
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Diya Kumari

## MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS) LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.847 ANSWERED ON 07/02/2023

Participation of India in International Sports for Persons with Disabilities

847. MS. DIYA KUMARI:

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

- (a)  the  steps  currently  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  increase international participation of India in sports for persons with disabilities;
- (b)  whether the Government has taken any measures to promote the participation of persons with disabilities in sports competitions at the international level including the Paralympic Games;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  is  considering  the  need  to  build  new, disabled-friendly sports stadiums or complexes  to increase the participation of youth with disabilities in sports and if so, the details thereof; and
- (e)  whether the Government has undertaken any measures to ensure equal  recruitment  opportunities  for  sportspersons  with  disabilities across the country, State/UT-wise?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR)

- (a)  to  (c)  Government  provides  financial  assistance  to  the  National Sports  Federations  (NSFs)  viz.,  the  Paralympic  Committee  of  India

(PCI),    the  All  IndiaSports  Council  for  Deaf  (AISCD),  the  Special Olympic  Bharat  (SOB)  and  the  Cerebral  Palsy  Sports  Federation  of India (CPSFI) towards training of  sports personal with disabilities for their participation in international events including Paralympic Games. The athletes selected for international competitions are provided with all  requisite  facilities  for  their  preparations  including  wholesome nutritious  diet,  food  supplements,  equipment  support,  state-of-the-art infrastructure, lodging, travelling facilities, services of reputed Indian and Foreign Coaches/ supporting staff, scientific & medical support,sports kit, etc. Under Target Olympic PodiumScheme (TOPS), talented  athletes  are  selected  and  provided  financialassistance  like Out  of  Pocket  Allowance,  equipment  support,  coaches  etc.,  for  their customized training.  Athletes  are  retained  in  the  TOPS  based  on  the regular assessment of their performance. (d)  Yes,  Sir.  To  promote  sports  among  the  persons  with  disabilities, SAI  has  established  a  Para  Centre  under  SAI's  National  Centre  of Excellence (NCOE) Scheme at SAI Regional Centre, Gandhinagar. The center is operational in the disciplines of Athletics,  Swimming, Powerlifting & Table Tennis. 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 sports person with disabilities. Under the component 'Promotion of Inclusiveness through Sports' of the Khelo India Scheme, sports infrastructure and training centers are created so as to ensure effective participation of Persons with Disabilities. (e) Yes. Recruitment of meritorious sportspersons, including persons with disabilities is done as per Government Guidelines. More chances  are  given  to  the  recruitment  opportunities  of  personswith disabilities in almost all States.

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