SAI NERC Imphal highlights the expanded Khelo India framework, Rs 36,441 crore outlay and plans to strengthen sports talent development across the North East.
Imphal, August 21: The Sports Authority of India (SAI), North-East Regional Centre (NERC), Imphal, highlighted the expanded Khelo India framework and the need for stronger sports development across the North East at a press meet held in Imphal on Friday.
The press meet was organised at the Auditorium Hall of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Nityaipat Chuthek, to brief the media on Khelo India initiatives and SAI’s role in identifying and nurturing sporting talent in the region.
SAI functions as the country’s apex national sports body for promoting sporting excellence and developing athletes. SAI NERC, Imphal, oversees one National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) at Imphal and four SAI Special Training Centres (STCs) located at Imphal’s Khuman Lampak, Utlou, Aizawl and Dimapur.
Sports integration with education stressed
Speaking at the press meet, Naorem Praveen, Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur, stressed the importance of integrating sports with education, referring to Bharat Khel Niti 2025 and the National Education Policy 2020.
He observed that regular participation in sports contributes to the physical and mental development of students and encouraged children to choose career paths based on their interests and abilities.
Praveen noted that demanding school schedules have reduced opportunities for children to participate in outdoor activities. He cautioned that limited physical activity could affect their physical and mental well-being and called for greater participation in sports.
He also pointed to Manipur’s established sporting culture, stating that the state’s sporting achievements are supported by parents, communities, coaches, clubs and sports associations in addition to sports infrastructure.
According to him, greater attention should be given to the “soft infrastructure” of sports, including athlete guidance, training, injury prevention and management, recognition and community support.
Praveen maintained that a more systematic approach to sports development could help Manipur improve its medal tally at national and international competitions.
Concern over priority sports under Khelo India
Referring to the recently notified Khelo India guidelines, Praveen said 19 sports have been identified for priority support.
He expressed concern over the exclusion of disciplines such as aquatic sports, particularly diving, along with Wushu and Sepak Takraw, despite Manipur’s demonstrated potential in these sports.
He also referred to the national vision of developing India into a leading sporting nation and called for cooperation among government agencies, sporting bodies, communities, coaches, parents and athletes for effective implementation of Khelo India initiatives.
The YAS Secretary urged students and young people to participate actively in sports and maintain physical fitness.
Khelo India framework gets expanded outlay
C. Dhandapani, SAI North-East Regional Director, and Laishram Samritya Singh, Assistant Director, SAI NERC, provided an overview of the Khelo India programme, its objectives and key provisions of its revamped framework.
They highlighted an enhanced outlay of Rs 36,441 crore, aimed at expanding athlete support and strengthening the North East as a major sporting talent cluster.
Under the framework, support is envisaged for 10,000 Khelo India Athletes and 20,000 Emerging Khelo India Athletes across 30 sports disciplines. Funding is linked to the progression of athletes from grassroots development to the elite level.
The officials also highlighted the 90:10 Centre-State funding pattern for North-Eastern states and the proposed expansion of Khelo India Centres.
Another focus area is the integration of sports with mainstream education, including the proposed linkage of Eklavya Model Residential Schools with the Khelo India feeder-school network.
AI, sports science and professional coaching
SAI officials also outlined the proposed use of advanced technology in athlete identification and performance development.
The framework includes AI-based talent scouting, IoT-enabled wearable devices, sports science and AI-driven performance analysis.
The officials said coaching is also being professionalised through systematic training and international exposure, along with the proposed establishment of a National Coach Accreditation Board.
Competitive opportunities are expected to expand through school, university, regional, zonal and sport-specific leagues. These include the ASMITA Women’s League.
The officials further highlighted the expansion of the Fit India Movement through community fitness hubs, mass participation programmes, yoga and indigenous games aimed at promoting fitness and community wellness.
Arjuna Awardee and renowned Wushu player Naorem Roshibina Devi, representatives of various media houses and SAI officials attended the press meet.
