Steps will be taken to strengthen Sports Science Set-up in the Country, says Union Sports Minister

New Delhi, November 10, 2016: A number of steps will be taken to strengthen Sports Science set-up in the country. These include opening of Sports Science Centres and purchase of sports science equipments for the Sports Complexes of Sports Authority of India. A few universities will be identified in the country where sports science department can be opened. The decision was announced by the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Vijay Goel after a brain-storming session held in New Delhi today with former eminent sportspersons, sports administrators and others associated with sports promotion in the country. The Minister said that it is imperative to give world class sports science support to our sportspersons so that they can achieve their full potential at the highest level.

The Minister said that an effort will be made to support individuals and organizations which are promoting sports in their own ways in different parts of the country. He also stressed the need to significantly enhance the budget of the Department of Sports and stated that he has already taken up the matter with the Union Finance Minister.

Shri Goel said that our international players should take part in national championships of their respective sports so that the upcoming players get encouraged. On the issue of foreign coaches, he said that the government has already decided to issue open advertisement for engaging foreign coaches wherever possible. It will be ensured that Foreign coaches who are engaged train Indian coaches as well. The Minister also said that the existing sports facilities in the country including in SAI must be optimally utilized.

Today’s ‘Chintan Workshop’ was attended among others by Shri Jagbir Singh and Shri Viren Rasquinha, former Indian Hockey Captains, Shri Gagan Narang and Shri Morad Ali Khan, both Shooters. A free flowing discussion took place in the workshop on measures that are required to be taken for achieving the twin objectives of Sports Policy – ‘Excellence in Sports’ and ‘Broad-basing of Sports’.

Today’s meeting was a part of the on-going efforts being made by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Vijay Goel to forge censensus on the vision for sports in the country and initiate coordinated efforts for promotion of sports. He has already held two meetings with National Sports Federations and a round table discussion with sportspersons of eminence who have been conferred with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and coaches who have been conferred with Dronacharya Award.

Later, Shri Vijay Goel felicitated the Winner Indian Women Hockey Team of Asian Champions Trophy at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.