Question : OLYMPIC GAMES-2016

(a) whether lack of sports infrastructure of international standards is one of the major reason for under performance of our sportspersons in various International sporting events and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(b) whether the Government proposes to promote indoor sports events like wrestling, boxing and weightlifting where India had performed well in Olympics, 2012 held in London and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the status of preparation of sportspersons for the ensuing Olympics likely to be held in 2016 sports discipline-wise;

(d) whether the Government has fixed any target of Olympic medals likely to be won in the ensuing Olympic games and if so, the details thereof, sports discipline-wise; and

(e) the other steps the Government proposes to take for the promotion of sports in the country?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 202 TO BE ANSWERED ON 22.07.2014 REGARDING OLYMPIC GAMES 2016

(a) Madam, sports infrastructure of international standards is available in the country and is augmented / upgraded on a continuing basis. Inadequacies in terms of high performance centres, modern equipments, sports science and sports medicine facilities etc. are also addressed on a regular basis. Also, ‘sports’ is a state subject and it is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments to create adequate sports infrastructure within the States.

(b) The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Sports Authority of India (SAI) are already paying specific attention for promoting sports disciplines like Badminton, Boxing, Shooting, Wrestling, Weightlifting etc., wherein Indian sportspersons have performed well at the International level. These sports disciplines, among others, have been kept under the ‘priority’ category and are being provided all requisite support including training, foreign exposure, nutritious diet, supplements etc under the Ministry’s Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations. Under this Scheme, National Coaching Camps are organized for training and preparation of sportspersons and teams before their participation in international sports events.

Assistance for customized training abroad and for participation in competitions is also provided under the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF). It has been decided to extend assistance from NSDF for organizing prize money tournaments in boxing, wrestling and archery.

Further, for promoting these sports disciplines, among others, at grassroots and intermediate level, the Ministry launched Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA), a Centrally Sponsored Plan Scheme on 21st February 2014 in place of erstwhile Panchayat Yuva Krida aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA). Under RGKA, Integrated Sports Complexes will be constructed in every rural block panchayat of the country. Each Sports complex will cost Rs. 1.75 crore and have 11 outdoor and 5 indoor games with flexibility to choose 3 local games within the limit of 16 games. The Outdoor disciplines are Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Football, Handball, Hockey, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Tennis and Volley ball. The Indoor disciplines are Boxing, Wrestling, Table tennis, Weightlifting and also provision of a Multi-gym.

(c) Preparation of sportspersons for international sports events including Rio Olympics 2016 is an ongoing process. The Ministry and Sports Authority of India discuss Long Term Development Plans (LTDPs) and Annual Calendar of Training & Competitions (ACTCs) with National Sports Federations (NSFs) and finalize coaching and training requirements of athletes and teams including foreign coaches etc.

Further, a Steering Committee to monitor  and coordinate the work relating to major international sports events, upto  Olympic Games 2020, has been constituted under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Sports) with representatives of Sports Authority of India, concerned National Sports Federations and Indian Olympic Association and chief coach of the concerned sports discipline. The Functions of the Steering Committee are, inter alia, deciding core probables and reviewing performance of the core probable regularly for deciding who needs to be retained/dropped/added.

The Govt. has also decided to identify top medal prospects for Olympics, 2016 and Olympics, 2020. A committee of renowned experts will identify the athletes and another committee will scrutinize and finalize their programmes and monitor their performance. The selected athletes will be provided continued assistance for their intense preparation for Olympics, 2016 and Olympics, 2020 subject to performance.

(d) It is the endeavor of the Ministry and Sports Authority of India to maximize medal prospects of the country in mega sports events including Rio Olympics 2016. Ministry and SAI’s schemes and plans are geared towards improving medals tally significantly in mega sports events so that India emerges as a leading country in the comity of sporting nations.

(e) For promotion of sports in the country, the Government has in the Budget for 2014-15 announced setting up of a National Sports University in Manipur, launching National Sports Talent Search System Programme, upgrading the indoor and outdoor sports stadiums to international standards in Jammu and Kashmir. Government has also decided toset up national level Sports Academies for major games in different parts of the country to mainstream sports, preferably through the PPP route. Academies with international level facilities for training of accomplished athletes and for nurturing best talent in the country at junior and sub-junior level will also be set up for Shooting, Archery, Boxing, Wrestling, Weightlifting and various Track and field events. Such academies for cycling and swimming have already been set up in Delhi.