2000 youth trained at 81 functional Khelo India centres in J&K: Govt

Srinagar, Feb 3: The J&K government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that 81 out of 100 Khelo India Centres were presently functional across the UT and 2000 children are being trained by professional coaches.

In a written reply to a query raised by MLA Peerzada Feroze Ahmad, the minister in-charge Youth Service and Sports (YSS) said that the department has taken various steps to encourage and motivate rural youth, including those from economically weaker and underprivileged sections, to participate in the sports events.

MLA had asked about the steps taken by the government to motivate youth in rural areas for their participation in sports events.

The minister in a written reply informed that initiatives like May Youth My pride, Har Din Khel Har Ek Ke Liye Khel, Nasha Mukt Abhiyan, Sports for All Jan Abhiyan besides Calendar of Sports Association and regular coaching programmes are being taken to ensure participation of rural youth in sports events.

“While the department oversees many programs, My Youth My Pride is the primary formal scheme designed to reach the rural and underprivileged sections,” the reply reads.

It reads that unlike previous models that focused on urban centres like Sringar and Jammu, this scheme takes competitions to the Panchayat and Block levels and specifically targets special sector areas where sports infrastructure was previously non-existent.

“To motivate youth from underprivileged backgrounds, the department has formulated several financial and career oriented incentives like cash awards for outstanding sports persons to provide them immediate financial relief and recognition to athletes who win medals at the National and International level.

“Competitions are held at district levels through the recognised sports associations of J&K and the medal winners of district followed by UT level are selected for participation in the National level and International championships,” the written reply reads.

It reads that the Department of YSS provides financial assistance once in a financial year to the athletes for participation in recognised international events under departmental established norms.

“Under the Khelo India scheme, the department has established 100 Khelo India Centres out of which 81 are presently functional in which about 2000 children are being trained regularly with free access to infrastructure,” it reads.

The minister in-charge further informed that coaching equipment and apparels.

In these Centres (which serve as platforms for athletes to showcase their talent), the children from grass root level are trained from very remote and rural areas.

The department has engaged 44 specialised coaches and instructors for a period of two years at the district level to provide professional training to the rural youth locally under PMDP scheme.

“To ensure rural talent to compete internationally, the department in collaboration with Sports Authority of India (SAI) has established two Khelo India Centres of excellence for discipline like fencing in Jammu Rowing in Srinagar,” the reply reads.

The minister further informed that Rural sports Melas were conducted in every district of J&K to promote grass root participation.

“A total of 1979 athletes–1018 boys and 961 girls  participated in the 69th National School Games held in different parts of the Country,” the written reply reads.