SAI young talent search
National sports talent scheme -Talent in almost ten sport disciplines is supported under this scheme. These are swimming, athletics, gymnastics as well as ball and net games which include tennis, hockey, basketball, table tennis, football, volleyball, badminton and wrestling. Students in the 9 to 12 age range with identified potential in any of these fields have to qualify tests conducted by the Sports Authority .
The tests are aimed to check general and specific physical skills required for each of the disciplines. Students selected undergo sports training along with school education in one of the SAI sponsored schools spread across the country. The sponsorship scheme by the SAI includes all expenditures including tuition fee, boarding, lodging, and all incidental expenditures.
Allowances for sports kits maintenance, medical facilities, travel etc. are included. SAI has developed and in an ongoing programme continues to develop facilities in the schools where these children are trained. Coaches for various disciplines are placed by SAI in these sponsored schools. They provide the necessary training to students selected under this scheme, conduct evaluation tests and maintain performance records.
Students in the 16-20 year age group with proven talent benefit from the Hostel scheme and are enrolled in SAI hostels in sponsored institutions. Special Area Games Schemes operates for identifying and nurturing talent from all regions in the country.
SAI has six regional sports centres. Coaching facilities in popular sports such as Badminton, Tennis, Hockey, Cricket etc. as well as other sports disciplines are provided and the facilities are of international standards.
Army companies for boys’ talented in sports - Regimental training centres have schools where students with sporting talent from neighbouring areas are enrolled. Education, training in sports, and military training completes the curriculum which prepares them for recruitment as a soldier into the army.
Scholarship to talented sports students of colleges/universities - Students participating in national championships, Inter-university tournaments are eligible for Sports Talent Scholarship awarded by the Government of India, Department of Youth Affairs and Sports - There are three hundred scholarships of Rs 3,600 per year and a monthly allowance of Rs 300/-(revised from time to time)
Candidates are selected on the basis of merit ascertained by a duly constituted Selection Committee.
Private sponsorships
Special Sports Academies/Federations provide similar facilities. These are often privately sponsored and sports persons with proven talent are supported by these academies.
