NEW DELHI, July 12 — The government plans to set up a sports university and academies to beef up India’s involvement in sports. “Sports are an integral part of growing up and personality development.
Unfortunately in our country sports have not become mainstream to date,” said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley (pic) when presenting his maiden budget on Thursday. Jaitley proposed setting up a sports university in Manipur in northeast India and provide Rs100 crore (US$16.6 million) in the current financial year for this purpose.
The government is also planning to establish national level sports academies for major games in various parts of the country to popularise sports. Academies with international level facilities for training of accomplished athletes and nurturing young talents will be set up for sports including boxing, archery, wrestling, weightlifting and track and field events.
Jaitley said the state of Jammu and Kashmir has much sporting talent but has not found room for expression due to inadequate sports facilities. “I propose to provide Rs200 crore (US$33.2 million) for upgrading the indoor and outdoor sports stadiums in Jammu and Kashmir Valley,” he said. Jaitley also suggested setting aside Rs100 crore (US$16.6 million) to train athletes for the upcoming Asian and Commonwealth games.
-BERNAMA
