Lok Sabha Question No. 1570 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-07-26
Subject: Modern Sports Equipment to Athletes
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: Poonam (Mahajan) Vajendla Rao

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

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1570 ANSWERED ON 26.07.2022

Modern Sports Equipment to Athletes

1570. SHRIMATI POONAM MAHAJAN:

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

- (a) the details of funds allocated for sports infrastructure facilities relating to promotion of sports in the country particularly in rural areas during the last three years and the current year;
- (b)  whether  any  steps  have  been  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure availability  of  modern  sports  equipment  to  athletes  and  regular  sports training programmes were conducted for athletes/coaches and if so, details thereof; and
- (c) whether any study has been undertaken to assess deficiencies in sports infrastructure and if so, the steps taken to correct them?

## THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS

## ANSWER { SHRI ANURAG SINGH THAKUR }

- (a)  'Sports'  being  a  State  subject,  the  responsibility  of  creating  sports infrastructure  rests  primarily  with  the  respective  State  /  Union  Territory Governments.  Central  Government  supplements  their  efforts.  Funds  are allocated  by  this  Ministry  Scheme-wise,  not  State-wise.  However,  the details of funds released for development of sports infrastructure facilities in the country under the Khelo India Scheme of this Ministry during the last three years and the current year are as under: -

(in ₹ crore)

|   S.No. | Financial Year   | Expenditure incurred for development of sports infrastructure under the Khelo India Scheme   |
|---------|------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|       1 | 2019-20          | 247.90                                                                                       |
|       2 | 2020-21          | 390.42                                                                                       |
|       3 | 2021-22          | 277.50                                                                                       |
|       4 | 2022-23          | 780.00 (Budget Estimate)                                                                     |

- (b) Yes, Sir. Athletes preparing for international competitions are provided standard state-of-the-art sports equipment and infrastructure besides services  of  Indian  and  foreign  experts  and  support  staff  as  per  specific requirements of the individual/team. Special emphasis is given to procure best  sporting  goods/items  available  in  the  market  as  per  specifications recommended by the international Sports Federations.

Further,  under  the  National  Sports  Development  Fund  and  Target  Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) of the Ministry, the athletes are provided financial assistance  to  acquire  modern  sports  equipment  as  per  their  choice  to promote excellence in sports.

Also, under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations, the identified promising athletes/teams are provided preparatory training at the National Coaching Camps, including wholesome  nutritious diet, food supplements,  equipment,  state-of-the-art  infrastructure,  lodging,  travelling facilities,  services  of  reputed  Indian  and  foreign  coaches/supporting  staff, scientific  &  medical support, sports kit, etc., besides financial assistance for  their  training  abroad  and  participation  in  international  competitions  in India and abroad.

- (c) 'Sports' being a State subject, the responsibility to undertake any study to  assess  deficiencies  in  sports  infrastructure  rests  with  the  respective State/Union Territory Governments. The Union Government only supplements  the  efforts  of  States/Union  Territory  Governments.  Sports infrastructure  available  under  this  Ministry  cater  to  a  large  number  of athletes.

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