Government mulls setting up committee to identify potential athletes

NEW DELHI: Seeking to improve India's medal prospects in international tournaments, including 2016 Olympics, government today said it plans to set up a committee of renowned experts to identify potential athletes who can perform well.

Another committee will look into the day-to-day performance of athletes while they train for games, Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told the Lok Sabha.

Responding to a supplementary by BJP member and Olympic silver medalist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, he said the selected athletes will be provided continued assistance for their intense prepration for Olympics in 2016 and 2020 based on their performance.

Former cricketer Kirti Azad (BJP) said since 2013, he has been listening to similar replies on issues related to sports.

At this, the minister responded that the NDA government was committed to brininging good governance and transparency in sports bodies. He said sports should be above controversy and corruption.

He said the government plans to bring a bill in this regard after "further consultations".

Tariq Anwar (NCP) pointed out that out of over 4000 gold medals won by countries in Olympics, India has only won nine.

The minister said under the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan, integrated sports complexes will be constructed in every rural block panchayat of the country at a cost of Rs 1.75 crore each.

Brijbhushan Sharan Singh wanted to know whether the government will increase the assistance being provided for holding national level competitions. He said the previous government had reduced the amount of assistance, leading to brief war of words between BJP and Congress members.

The minister said he will look into the issue.