75 more Sports School by next three years:Central Government

Central Government is all set to open 75 sports schools across the country in next three years. The project would incur a budget of around Rs. 2,200 crore.

In its initial stage only one or two sports schools will be launched in each State and Union Territory of the country. Later on nearly 35 sports schools will be commenced in the first year and subsequently 20 schools will be built by next second and third year.

These schools will enroll the students based on their Physical Aptitude Test which will be conducted by the school individually. In addition, admission of students will also be made under sports quota.

Students falling in the age group of 8 to 12 years can appear for the Physical Aptitude test to obtain admission. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will fund the sports schools. Besides, it will also initiate the Selection of Sporting Talent (INSTAL) programme.

Top class sporting facilities in 4-5 disciplines in boxing, wrestling, athletics, gymnastics, taekwondo, swimming, table tennis, badminton, hockey, football, archery, tennis, shooting, basketball and volleyball are on the proposal to be installed, which may also lead the schools to gain INSTAL eligibility.

For every student successfully getting admission under the sports quota the ministry will offer him/her Rs 1.5 lakh per annum along with covering all the expenses.

The ministry will also bear the cost of sports supplies worth Rs 1 lakh for each school and Rs 2,500 per student per year.