Lok Sabha Question No. 2759 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-19
Subject: Platform for Young Athletes
Ministry: YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
Asked by: S. Jagathrakshakan

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

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2759 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19.12.2023

## Platform for Young Athletes

## 2759. SHRI S. JAGATHRAKSHAKAN:

Will  the  Minister  of  YOUTH  AFFAIRS  AND  SPORTSbe  pleased  to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  agrees  with  the  view  that  the  nation needs more leagues and competitions at different levels on higher frequencies to increase participation and to provide the necessary platform for young athletes to honetheir skills;
- (b)  if  so,  the  details  of  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  in  this regard; and
- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

- (a)  to  (c):  'Sports'  being  a  State  subject,  the  responsibility  for promotion and development of sports, including organizing frequent sports competitions at state level, rests primarily with the respective  State  Governments.  However,  the  Government  of  India through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports supplements their efforts through its schemes, namely, Assistance to National Sports Federations and Khelo India Scheme.

Under  the  Scheme  of  Assistance  to  National  Sports  Federations (NSFs), the Government supports NSFs to conduct National Championships  periodically  for  various  categories  such  as  Senior, Junior and Sub-Junior categories by providing the following:

- (i) ₹17  Lakh  per  year  each  for  Senior,  Junior  and  Sub  Junior category  for  High  Priority,  Priority  and  Indian  Traditional Sports.
- (ii) ₹15 Lakh per year for National Sports Federations dealing with disabilities.

Under the component 'Sports Competitions and Talent Development' of the Khelo India Scheme, Khelo India Games (KIGs) are organized on  a  regular  basis  to  create  a  platform  for  Talent  Identification, promote a sporting culture across the country and create aspirational  values  amongst  budding  players  in  the  country.  The various Khelo India Games organized by the Ministry include Khelo India  Youth  Games,  Khelo  India  University  Games,  Khelo  India School Games, Khelo India Winter Games, Khelo India Para Games, etc. So far, 11 editions of Khelo India Games have been organized which  have  witnessed  participation  of  more  than  35,000  athletes from 36 States/UTs.

Further,  under  the  'Promotion  of  Inclusiveness'  component  of  the Khelo India Scheme, Khelo India Women's Leagues are organised to provide additional avenues for development of sports, competitions, leagues,  and  tournaments  specifically  for  women.  Khelo  India Women's Leagues are being conducted in 19 disciplines across the nation. This initiative offers opportunities to women to participate and  excel  in  various  sporting  activities.  In  addition,  the  ASMITA (Achieving  Sports  Milestone  by  Inspiring  Women  through  Action) Portal  was  launched  for  Khelo  India  Women's  League  on  22nd August, 2023. ASMITA, which signifies dignity and pride, serves as a comprehensive  resource  which  has  been  developed  for  schools, colleges, and other institutions providing regular update on upcoming and ongoing events and certifications. Also, the ASMITA logo  has  also  been  integrated  with  Khelo  India  Women's  League with  the  tagline  'khel  se  hi  pehchan'  meaning  thereby  giving identity to women athletes through sports.

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