Final Up to date: February 11, 2023, 19:06 IST
Anurag Thakur (AFP Picture)
Sports activities Minister Thakur added that the federal government is taking sports activities to each nook and nook of the nation by way of the Khelo India motion
Sports activities Minister Anurag Thakur stated his ministry is in search of worldwide experience for establishing a Centre of Excellence (COE) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg ski resort, which is regularly rising because the main winter sports activities hub of the nation.
“We need to rope in worldwide experience for making the Centre of Excellence in Gulmarg so that when it’s established, it must be among the finest not solely in India however on this planet,” Thakur instructed reporters on Friday.
The Centre of Excellence for winter sports activities in Gulmarg was introduced by then sports activities minister Kiren Rijiju in the course of the second version of Khelo India Winter Video games in February 2021.
“For 2 years, we had been going by way of COVID pandemic,” Thakur stated whereas justifying the delay.
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On Khelo India occasions occurring at a number of locations within the nation, Thakur stated these tournaments are a possibility for expertise hunt, identification and scouting.
“The excellent gamers from right here might be picked up and despatched to varied academies for specialised coaching and given an opportunity to progress of their careers,” he stated.
Thakur referred to the federal government’s TOPS scheme underneath which the Centre is bearing all of the lodging, boarding and coaching bills of athletes. Additionally they get an allowance of Rs six lakh per yr.
“Equally, Khelo India academies prepare 3000 gamers for which the Authorities of India bears all bills, apart from they’re given Rs 1.2 lakh pocket allowance,” he added.
Thakur stated the sports activities ministry offers funding to varied sports activities associations as per their occasion calendar in order that they will bear their bills.
“The Authorities will present all help that’s required for the gamers,” he stated when requested about some athletes having to fend for themselves whereas collaborating in worldwide occasions.
The minister stated the federal government is taking sports activities to each nook and nook of the nation by way of the Khelo India motion.
“We’re opening 1000 Khelo India centres throughout the nation out of which 40 have been opened in Jammu and Kashmir,” Thakur stated.
Thakur, who tried his palms at snow cricket throughout his current go to to Kashmir, advocated for the promotion of the game for leisure and tourism goal.
“Belief me! It may be a giant factor in coming years identical to seashore volleyball. We’ve to be revolutionary. I don’t see any purpose why there must be any difficulties,” he stated.
Thakur was launched to snow cricket throughout a quick visit Tangmarg on Thursday whereas he was on his method to Gulmarg.
“There are six-seven states within the nation the place snowfall takes locations. It may be attention-grabbing the place smaller boundaries are set, and a particular ball is used to play. Particular guidelines might be framed for these situations. Whether or not the federal government will do one thing or not, folks can come collectively and begin snow cricket,” he stated.
“All it’s important to do is create a mini-field, have two balls and two bats and play six-a-side sport on snow.”
Thakur feels snow cricket can add to the tourism potential of locations like Kashmir.
“Snow cricket may also be extremely popular with the vacationers who can get pleasure from a brief sport whereas they’re right here. A lodge with 200 visitors can have a fast sport for them in snow-covered lawns.”
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