Shillong, Oct 10: Union Minister of State independent charge of Youth Affairs and Sports Ajay Maken directed the officials of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to complete the much-awaited Special Games Area Centre (SGAC) at NEHU, Shillong within March-April next year even as he suggested the setting up of a Sports Science Centre to promote sports culture in the north east.
The deadline for the completion of SGAC -theis the second “high altitude centre” in the country- was earlier set for September – October last year.
Addressing a gathering at the NEHU complex Wednesday, Maken said, “I have directed the officials that the “deadline” should not be extended and that I will inaugurate the project on my next visit to Meghalaya,”
On a two days visit to the north east region, Maken inspected the progress of SGAC and expressed satisfaction.
The construction of the SGAC was started in 2002 for which Rs 43 crores was sanctioned for the project and Rs 29 crores has already been released by the union government.
Informing that there is no paucity of funds, Maken said, “I have asked the concerned authority to submit the proposal on the funds required and the government will the sanction.”
Maken said that the sports centre in NEHU would be the ‘Game Changer’ in the region which will not only benefit the youths from the state but will also cater to need of the neighbouring states of the north east as well.
Maken stressed of the government commitment in producing young talented youths from the NE who will represent the country by 2020.” He said, “We hope that the centre will be utilized to the optimum.”
Stating that there is a need to set up a Sports Science Centre in the region, Maken said, “I have suggested that the region should have a ‘sports science centre’ and whatever the amount required, we are ready to sanction.”
According to Maken, every modern sports centre requires sports science centre as the sports culture has been so scientific. “He said, “If you want to do well in different level of competition, you need a sports science centre which will be well equipped with best coaches to train young talented youths of the region.”
It is also learnt that there are altogether 90 Sports Authority of India (SAI) centres in the country.
Admitting that lack of coaches is a major concerned, Maken informed that the government is all set to recruit 200 coaches all over the country. “We are giving first preferences to those athletes who have represented the country in the Olympics but they will have to undergo a diploma or degree,” he said.
Maken felt once these 200 coaches are put in place the shortage problem will be over.
Pointing out that the country does not have coach training centre, Maken revealed, “We are proposing to set up the National Centre for Coaches Training in Patiala in Punjab where we will have the best faculties from across the world.
He said once India has good quality coaches then the country will no longer depended on the foreign coaches. He informed the planning commission has agreed to increase the allocation for promoting and development of sports in the 12th plan, an increase of 60-70 per cent.-By Our Reporter
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