Govt To Set Up 1000 District-Level Khelo India Centres And Engage Past Champions

New Delhi: To utilise the expertise of past champions for grassroot-level training of athletes and also ensure a sustained source of income for them in the sports ecosystem, the Union Sports Ministry has decided to establish 1000 Khelo India Centres (KIC) at the district level across the country.

Former champions will either head these centres or be appointed as coaches.

“As we strive to make India a sporting superpower, one of the things we have to ensure is that sports becomes a viable career option for youngsters,” Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju said.

“Only when sports can offer a sustained means of livelihood to athletes, even after they stop playing competitive sports, will parents be motivated to allow their children to take up sports as a serious career option. And that is the only way to tap the best talent, who may otherwise decide to take up other career options. This decision is a step in that direction. We want to ensure that anyone who has played sport at the national level has a life of dignity and financial stability,” Rijiju added.

Training will be imparted at the KICs in 14 Identified Sports for Excellence in Olympics (ISEO) — archery, athletics, boxing, badminton, cycling, fencing, hockey, judo, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, wrestling.

Football and traditional sports have also been included.

The government has put in place a shortlisting mechanism to identify former champions who are eligible to establish their own academy or work as coach.

Existing SAI extension centres will be given the option of converting into a KIC and recruiting a past champion to avail the financial grant under the scheme. Any former champion can also establish a new KIC with infrastructure owned by themselves, the central and state government, local authorities, clubs or educational institution.

Different categories of former champions to be considered are:

* Those who have represented India at recognised international competitions under a recognised NSF or association

* Medal winners in Senior National Championship conducted by a recognised NSF or a medal winner at Khelo India Games

* Those who have won medals in the National All India University Games

* Those who have represented the state in a senior National Championship conducted by recognised NSFs or participated in Khelo India Games

Note: An exception has been made in the case of Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Ladakh, where coaches trained with NIS certification will also be eligible to apply.