Former champions will either head these centres or be appointed as coaches.
” As we strive to make India a sporting superpower, one of the things we have to ensure is that sports becomes a viable career option for youngsters,” Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju said “
“Only when sports can offer a sustained means of livelihood to athletes, even after they stop playing competitive sports, will parents be motivated to allow their children to take up sports as a serious career option. And that is the only way to tap the best talent, who may otherwise decide to take up other career options. This decision is a step in that direction. We want to ensure that anyone who has played sport at the national level has a life of dignity and financial stability,” Rijiju added.
Training will be imparted at the KICs in 14 Identified Sports for Excellence in Olympics (ISEO) — archery, athletics, boxing, badminton, cycling, fencing, hockey, judo, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, wrestling.
Football and traditional sports have also been included.
The government has put in place a shortlisting mechanism to identify former champions who are eligible to establish their own academy or work as coach.
Existing SAI extension centres will be given the option of converting into a KIC and recruiting a past champion to avail the financial grant under the scheme. Any former champion can also establish a new KIC with infrastructure owned by themselves, the central and state government, local authorities, clubs or educational institution.
Different categories of former champions to be considered are:
* Those who have represented India at recognised international competitions under a recognised NSF or association
* Medal winners in Senior National Championship conducted by a recognised NSF or a medal winner at Khelo India Games
* Those who have won medals in the National All India University Games
* Those who have represented the state in a senior National Championship conducted by recognised NSFs or participated in Khelo India Games
Note: An exception has been made in the case of Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Ladakh, where coaches trained with NIS certification will also be eligible to apply.