Delhi govt proposes six Khelo India centres to nurture young athletes, promote fitness

New Delhi: Delhi govt has proposed setting up six Khelo India centres across the city to nurture young talent and promote a culture of fitness.Awaiting approval from the Sports Authority of India, these facilities will offer professional training, modern equipment and expert coaching to aspiring athletes, a senior official said. "Once operational, the centres are expected to play a crucial role in identifying and developing grassroots sporting talent, significantly boosting India's prospects in national and international sports," he said.The centres will be established across India under the Khelo India scheme. These centres can be at the state, district or block level, utilising existing sports facilities like schools or community centres.At present, thousands of athletes are being covered at SAI Training Centres (STCs), including erstwhile Special Area Games (SAG) centres funded under the State Level Khelo India Centre (SLKIC) vertical of the Khelo India scheme. He said that the centres would provide training and infrastructural facilities to players for athletics, football, volleyball, hockey and kabaddi.These centres also serve as a means of spotting promising talent who can receive further training and monetary assistance. Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) in Gwalior, Ghaziabad, Delhi Cantt, and other cities have been adopted as SLKIC in partnership with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan.Officials said that at these centres, the expenditure for lodging, boarding, education expenses, competition exposure, sports training and equipment are incurred by govt.Meanwhile, to celebrate World Bicycle Day, a Sundays on Cycle event was organised by the Delhi govt under the Fit India Mission.Minister Ashish Sood flagged off the campaign in his assembly constituency, Janakpuri. The event saw hundreds of youths, school students, senior citizens, and RWA representatives participate."Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has taken several significant steps to strengthen the sports ecosystem in the country. His initiatives like the 'Fit India Movement' and 'Khelo India Movement' have now become widely popular across India," Sood said.He added, "It is heartening to see people of all age groups coming together with awareness and enthusiasm for health and fitness, thus taking this movement forward."