Strategic schemes by Modi government which promoted sports participation
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) that works supporting the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is answerable for the advancement of Sports and Games in the country.
New Delhi: In the Tokyo Olympics, a contingent of 126 athletes and 75 officials are participating. Here, we decode the pathbreaking steps taken by Modi government that helped bring boom to the sports industry.
The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has an important job in encouraging sports in India. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) that works supporting the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is credited for the advancement of Sports and Games in the country. Authority formulates and executes a progression of changes and schemes to help Sports department.
Government thinks that individuals ought to involve sports and wellness-related activities in their daily routine for a better and healthier life. PM Narendra Modi has on various occasions encouraged individuals to give importance to sports and games in their everyday life.
Fit India Movement
The plan was launched on 29 August on the occasion of National Sports Day 2019 by Prime Minister Modi at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
Khelo India Scheme
The Khelo India Scheme was initiated in 2016 post the fusion of three earlier schemes – Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA), Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme (USIS), and National Sports Talent Search Scheme (NSTSS). This scheme was focussed on increasing mass participation of youth in annual sports games and competitions. Khelo India (National Program for Development of Sports Scheme) aims to achieve twin goals of mass participation and advancement of greatness in sports. The plan endeavors to advance “Sports for All” as well as “Sports for Excellence”.
The plan was revamped in the year 2017 with an aim to mainstream sports as an instrument for individual and local area development, monetary development, and national development.
Sports Talent Search Portal
VP M.Venkaiah Naidu in August 2017 launched the Sports Talent Search Portal to recognize the best talent among the youth of India. The portal allows youngsters to upload their achievements. Those who get shortlisted are then called for trials and the qualified candidates then take part in the schemes of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Significant level committee to address complaints and issues of women sportspersons
On the occasion of International Women Day in 2017, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports comprised a committee under the chairmanship of AS and FA to address and solve the complaints and grievances of women sportsperson.
Empowered Steering Committee on Sports
The Empowered Steering Committee (ESC) was comprised in January 2017 on the recommendations of the Olympic Task Force. The Committee is answerable for preparing a far-reaching action plan for the powerful participation of Indian players in the Olympic Games of 2021 (Tokyo), 2024 (Paris), and 2028 (Los Angeles).
National Sports Awards Scheme
Consistently, the Government acknowledges and respects sports personalities with the Arjuna Awards, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Dhyanchand Awards, and Dronacharya Awards for their achievements and commitments as sportspersons and coaches in the field of sports.
Sports and Games for Persons with Disabilities Scheme
Under this plan, the differently-abled sportspersons are trained in their field for conducting sports competitions and assisting schools and institutes having differently-abled sportspersons.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme
The Sports Ministry released the ‘Target Olympic Podium (TOP)’ Scheme in May 2015 under the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) to help the potential medal possibilities for the Olympic Games of 2016 and 2020. The main center is given to Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Archery, Wrestling, and Shooting sports.
Modi Government has done its fair share to promote and encourage sports in India. PM Modi himself is an epitome of fitness and someone who leads by example and suggests fellow citizens to adopt a healthy lifestyle. There is no debate on what more could have been done on the government’s part to encourage maximum participation of citizens in sports.