(a) whether the Government has any scheme/proposes to launch a scheme for nurturing sports talents among the physically challenged persons to enable them to compete in national and international sports events;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the activities undertaken for the purpose; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor and the steps proposed to be taken in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)
(a) to (c) No, Madam. However, during XI Plan, Government has launched a Scheme of Sports and Games for the Disabled under which financial assistance is provided to Schools/Institutes to engage coaches for training of disabled students and also procurement of consumable and non consumable sports equipment. Besides, there is a provision under the scheme to sanction grant to Special Olympic Bharat, the Nodal Agency of the Department of Sports to organize coaches training and sports competitions in selected sports disciplines on District, State and National basis to promote the potential of disabled persons in sports and games.