Officials of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttarakhand and West Bengal attended the meeting briefing Sports Minister, Kiren Rijiju about their blueprint and necessary steps to be taken post-COVID so that training of Grassroot and Olympic level sports could recommence in all the states with proper safety measures.
Rijiju labeled about States’ Sports Ministers and said after the meeting, “The ministers and officers made some very valuable suggestions about sports and youth affairs related issues…briefed me about their preparations for post-COVID — of ways to start sporting events and training for athletes. States are doing a very good job and the Ministry is closely coordinating with them. I am sure we will come out with a roadmap for the way forward, at the end of the conference.”
The KISCE being build-up and ‘One State One Sport’ policy has been adhered by all the states as they believe each state should focus and concentrate on the betterment on the sport, they are strongest in. This policy is not just rendered to bring out the local and unknown talents in the small districts but also to formulate a culture of sports all across the country. Especially leading up to the Olympics, now being held next year, India has some great emerging candidates in their sport and divisions.
The meeting also spoke about the volunteers of NSS and NYKS to promote sports schemes in all states. There are reportedly 75 lakh volunteers, which the Sports Ministry wants to take up to 1 crore during the phrase of Unlock 2. “As the country opens up, our volunteers will create awareness among all sections of society such as farmers. Also small business owners, and others, regarding the direct benefits that they can get through being self-reliant,” Sports Minister said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
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