Initiatives to Strengthen Sports in Rural Areas

• The Indian government is dedicated to promoting sports in rural areas, recognizing that sporting excellence has no geographical boundaries and striving to foster a culture of sports in rural India.
• The Khelo India Scheme, a major initiative, is implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and aims to showcase sporting skills, identify talent at the national level, and provide development pathways for gifted children. It offers financial assistance, coaching, sports science support, and more, with a focus on rural athletes.
• The Khelo India Scheme also organizes national-level multi-sport competitions, such as Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, and Khelo India Winter Games, in collaboration with relevant sports federations and organizations.
• The scheme emphasizes the promotion of rural, indigenous, and tribal sports/games, bringing traditional games like Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta, Yogasana, and Silambam to the mainstream. Grants are provided for infrastructure development, coaching, and scholarships.
• Various sports promotion schemes are implemented across India, including National Centres of Excellence (NCOE) and Indigenous Games & Martial Arts (IGMA) School, offering expert coaching, sports equipment, boarding, and more.
• The government has created documentaries on various indigenous games, promoting them through digital platforms and social media.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi encourages MPs to organize indoor and outdoor sports events in their constituencies, promoting a vibrant sports culture and a spirit of sportsmanship among citizens.
• Sansad Khel Mahotsav and Sansad Khel Mahakumbh events feature a wide range of competitions, including sports and creative activities like essay writing and painting, fostering an overall development approach among youth.
• These initiatives aim to promote physical fitness, creativity, and intellectual skills, encouraging a well-rounded development among rural youth and fostering a culture of healthy competition and expression across the country.

Emphasis on the Development of Sports Infrastructure

• Sports play a vital role in India's comprehensive development, with a strong focus on improving and constructing sports infrastructure by the Central Government.
• Sports facilities serve as more than just venues for athletic competitions; they act as centres for empowerment, unity, and opportunities, providing access to resources and training for young talents to compete at national and international levels.
• Sports infrastructure promotes a culture of physical fitness and well-being, addressing health issues in these areas.
• Investment in sports infrastructure in remote areas not only nurtures sporting talents but also creates healthier and more vibrant communities, bridging the urban-rural divide, and ensuring that sports benefits reach every corner of the nation.
• The 'Creation and Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure' is a critical component of the Khelo India Scheme, with funds allocated for developing sports infrastructure in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas.
• Notable examples include the construction of a Synthetic Athletic Track in Medak district, Telangana, and a Multi-Purpose Hall in Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan.
• Since 2016-17, approximately Rs. 2741 crore have been sanctioned for the 'Creation and Upgradation of Sports Infrastructure' vertical of the Khelo India Scheme, underscoring the government's commitment to enhancing sports facilities.
• This substantial financial commitment demonstrates the government's dedication to providing top-notch facilities for athletes and enthusiasts, enhancing the overall sporting ecosystem.
• It facilitates the development of world-class stadiums, swimming pools, training centres, athletic tracks, and multipurpose halls, encouraging aspiring athletes and promoting a healthier lifestyle through sports and physical activities.
• The government firmly believes in the transformative power of sports, fostering a more active, healthier, and competitive India.

Sports as a Catalyst to Defeat Drug Abuse

• Engaging youth in sports has significant socio-economic advantages and acts as a powerful deterrent against drug abuse in rural areas.
• Investing in sports not only develops skilled athletes but also nurtures responsible, resilient, and drug-free individuals who contribute positively to society.
• Athletes play a crucial role in connecting with young generations and raising awareness about the dangers of drugs.
• Sports serve as a beacon of hope for youth in remote areas, as exemplified by events like the Khelo India Winter Games.
• Initiatives like the Synthetic Athletic Track in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, empower local youth by promoting a healthy lifestyle and fostering the development of healthy citizens through sports.

Women Athletes Making India Proud

• The Asian Games 2022 marked a historic achievement for India with the nation securing its highest-ever medal count in 60 years, totalling 107 medals.
• India won 75% more gold medals than in the Asian Games 2018 and secured medals in 16 new sporting categories, highlighting the growth of India's bench strength and the development of a supportive sports ecosystem.
• Women athletes played a significant role in this success, clinching around 50% of the total medals won by the Indian Contingent.
• The Hon'ble Prime Minister commended the performance of Indian women athletes, highlighting the potential of Bharat's daughters and the historic success initiated by the women's cricket team.
• The 'Sports for Women' component of the Khelo India Scheme promotes sports among women, with initiatives like the 'ASMITA Women's League,' which encapsulates the spirit of resilience, determination, and achievement among women athletes in India.
• Roshibina Devi, a martial artist from Manipur, won a historic silver medal in Wushu at the 2022 Asian Games, marking India's first-ever Silver in Wushu at the Asian Games.
• Roshibina's journey from a modest family of farmers to a Wushu champion highlights the power of dedication and serves as an inspiration to young women, advocating for women's empowerment and the pursuit of aspirations regardless of one's background.

Conclusion:

Rural athletes and women in sports exemplify the transformative power of sports in India. Government support for rural sports and infrastructure not only nurtures talent but also combats drug abuse. Athletes from humble backgrounds inspire with their dedication, and India's sports ecosystem offers a promising future, promoting health and unity

Source- PIB/ HT