Union min says focus on upgrading existing sports infra of Haryana

Chandigarh: The Union ministry of youth affairs and sports has made it clear that the aim was to augment existing sports infrastructure of Haryana on the recommendation of Sports Authority of India (SAI) and not creating more of it.
Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya said this in reply to a question by Congress MP from Sonipat seat Satpal Brahmchari on Tuesday. Brahmchari sought details if any steps taken by the govt to set up a regional centre of Sports Authority of India and National Sports Academy in Jind, which falls under Sonipat Lok Sabha constituency.
Brahmchari had also sought details whether the government allocated funds to develop sports infrastructure, training and coaching facilities in Haryana, particularly in his constituency.
Lastly, he sought details about financial assistance and other support given to outstanding sportspersons for preparedness for national and international events.
In his reply, the minister held the govt was basically focussing upon augmenting and upgrading existing infrastructure. “Based on an exercise by SAI in respect of restructuring its existing sports promotional schemes, by taking into account the available infrastructure and financial constraints, it has been decided to focus only on existing centres,” said Mandaviya.
Sports being a state subject, the responsibility of development of infrastructure, training and coaching facilities rests primarily with the state, and the central govt only supplements its efforts by bridging critical gaps, he added. Funds are allocated according to scheme and state wise in this ministry, he added.
Referring to support to outstanding sportspersons, he said under Target Olympic Podium Scheme (Tops) and the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations, promising athletes/teams, selected after following due process, are provided services of reputed Indian and foreign coaches/supporting staff, scientific & medical support, sports kit, etc. “They are also provided financial assistance for training abroad and participation in international competitions in India and abroad,” he said.