Financial assistance to sports in ?others? category will be restored: India

NEW DELHI (INDIA):Financial assistance to sports disciplines in ?others? category will be restored. This was announced by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports, Vijay Goel at a meeting of National Sports Federations (NSFs) here.nnThe announcement came after representatives of several NSFs requested the Minister to resume financial assistance. There are 26 sports disciplines in ?others? category. Financial assistance to this category of sports was stopped in 2014.nnThe participants in the meeting unanimously supported inclusion of ?sports? in the concurrent list of the Constitution. They felt that this would give a boost to promotion of sports in the country. At present, ?sports? is in the State list.nnGoel emphasized the need for the Government and National Sports Federations (NSFs) to work together for achieving the goals of broad-basing of sports and excellence in sports. He said that the Union Government is committed to work for the promotion and growth of sports in the country. The Prime Minister himself has shown deep interest in promotion of sports. He called upon the NSFs to use this opportunity.nnThe Minister stressed the need to scrupulously observe the norms of good governance and transparency as prescribed in the sports code.nnHe said sportspersons should be given a key role in decision-making within NSFs. He announced that his Ministry would bring out a quarterly journal to highlight the achievements of sportspersons in the country.nnParticipating in the discussions, the representatives of the NSFs stressed the need to increase flow of funds to the sports sector. They appreciated the support extended by the Ministry to them. They thanked the Minister for giving them an opportunity to voice their concerns. The NSFs supported the Minister?s call for transparency and good governance among sports bodies.nnThis was the second meeting of the Minister with NSFs. He earlier had a meeting with some NSFs on 29th September, 2016 to discuss India?s performance in Rio Olympics, 2016 and the roadmap for future.