Training to sports persons belonging to economically weaker sections
	16:24 IST

LOK SABHA Around 15,000 trainees are availing themselves of scientific training in various sports disciplines in Sports Authority of India (SAI) during last 3 years, which includes sportspersons belonging to weaker sections. However, no separate database is maintained regarding trainees belonging to weaker sections. This information was given by the Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Pratik Prakashbapu Patil in a written reply to a question by Shri K.C. Singh ‘Baba’ in the Lok Sabha today. The disciplines covered are athletic, archery, boxing, badminton, basketball, football, gymnastic, hockey, judo, swimming, Kabaddi, wrestling, weightlifting, Volleyball, table tennis, tennis, handball and kayaking & canoeing, the Minister added. The Minister further stated that the National Sports competitions are organized by the respective National Sports Federations for sub-junior, junior and senior levels. Sports Authority of India picks up the talented sportspersons from such competition and inducts them under various sports promotional schemes of SAI. The Sports Authority of India provides residential accommodation, scientific training, diet, sports kit and competition expenses free of cost, the Minister added. RM/AS- PQ 2 - USQ 1932 - LS