The Sport Authority Of India: How Future Sportpersons Can Benefit

Established in 1984, the Sports Authority of India was established by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India to further the cause of promoting sports and achieve excellence in various local and global sports.. The organisation continues the legacy of the ninth Asian Games, which were hosted in New Delhi in 1982. The SAl is in-charge of training elite athletes and running a number of programmes for the spotting and nurturing of emerging potential.

SAI has significantly contributed to the growth of Indian sports. Their regional centres located across India carry out training facilities and scout for athletes regularly. The organisation also offers a variety of academic programmes in sports and physical education.

Programmes such as Khelo India has over 27,000 participants in 27 different sports. 12,080 athletes are training in the 733 Khelo India centres. Khelo India organises events such as Khelo India School Games, Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) and other events for more student participation.

FIT India, another programme of SAI, has 23.68 crore participation. In 2022, FIT India School Week was organised with 1,17,844 students participating.

SAI Goals And Objectives

• Micro level talent scouting and developing potential to achieve excellence.

• International exposure and training.

• Support training by using sports experts and equipment, and training resources.

• Using a method of scientific evaluation to track and improve performance.

• National teams' preparation and training.

• Development, upkeep and improvement of sports infrastructure and facilities.

• To develop elite physical educators and coaches.

• To put into practise several Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) programmes, such as Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), National Sport Federation(NSF), and FIT India.

SAI’s Vision For Sports In India

SAI has only one focus – sports growth excellence and promotion, especially at the international level. Their vision to achieve this is by following these steps:

1. International cooperation for the growth and quality of sport.

2. Establishing a systematic method for identifying and recruiting more athletes for chosen indigenous and other sports as well as all Olympic disciplines.

3. Given special consideration are places and regions with the potential to thrive in certain sports disciplines.

4. Creating a framework and infrastructure for talent development at all age and skill levels, involving SAI, State Governments, and National Sports Federations (NSFs).

5. Encouraging the business sector to actively participate in creating academies and Centers of Excellence for various areas.

6. Enhancing coaching development and oversight.

7. Enhancing the technical and scientific assistance for athletes.

8. Ensuring the availability of high-quality sports equipment and the growth of the domestic sports equipment sector.

Most Coveted Programmes By SAI

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Khelo India

The scheme motivates young talent and provides them with top-notch facilities and elite training to help the nation to become sports superpowers. The programme was launched with the goal of reviving India's grassroots sports culture, creating a solid foundation for all national sports, and elevating Indian athletes to competing at a global level.

Khelo India had more than 27,000 participants. It has more than 17,000 sports infrastructure facilities out of which over 2,500 are of Olympic standards. Sports infrastructure includes different sport’s playfields (indoor and outdoor) like courts, pool, arena or stadium with facilities like changing rooms, toilet facilities, and drinking water facilities – separately for men, women, and persons with disabilities.

FIT India

The FIT INDIA Movement was launched on August 29, 2019 with the goal of integrating fitness into every aspect of our existence. The movement's goal is to alter an individual’s lifestyle and encourage citizens to lead a more physically fit life. Fit India proposes to take on various projects and organise events to promote fitness as simple, enjoyable, and cost-free in order to fulfil this goal. Numerous campaigns have been launched by Fit India to raise awareness of fitness and the actions that can be done to ensure.

Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)

The Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) was launched by the MYAS in September 2014 to enhance India's success at the Olympics and Paralympics. The best athletes from India receive help from TOPS, these are identified as elite athletes with a chance of representing India at Olympics. The goal of the scheme is to improve these players' training so they can compete for medals at the Olympics.

Other programmes handle by SAI are:

1. Training Courses conducted for Coach Development

2. Training Courses conducted for NCOS and Training Centre In-charges

3. Training Courses conducted for Administrative skills development

In a series of articles we will present detailed reports on the above mentioned programmes by SAI. Watch out for the next piece which will be out soon.

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