Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur said traditional sports such as Mallakhamb, Thang-Ta, Yogasana, Gatka, and Kalpetta will soon go international. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, he said the ministry will open 1,000 Khelo India centres across the country by August 15, 2023.
Several MPs urged the governments to create sports infrastructure in rural areas so that rural youth get selected for higher levels. The discussion started in Lok Sabha on March 31, during the Budget Session of Parliament. Thakur addressed the issue on Friday and said the government is focusing on identifying talent from rural areas and training them to become international athletes.
"We will start with opening 1,000 Khelo India centres. The process for 733 such centres has already started and by next August 15, we will finish the work of opening 1,000 Khelo India centres," said the minister. "There is a need to move beyond the sense of region and state to embrace the spirit of team India," he added.
The union minister recalled the PM's statement "when a sportsman wins in a game, it gives Indians a chance to celebrate the concept of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat." In 2014, the budget for the sports ministry was increased from Rs 1,219 crore to Rs 3,062 crore. "The expenditure has been less for just one year -- 2020-21 -- when the country was battling Covid. In 2022-23 it again increased," added Thakur.
Speaking about the Paralympics, he said: "There is discrimination against para-athletes but India's Olympics performance in this category has improved. I want to say whether it is the Paralympics, deaf Olympics, or summer Olympics, we have won the most medals. Seven in the Olympics, 19 in the Paralympics, and 16 in the deaf Olympics. We worked towards changing perceptions towards sports. PM Modi says that 100% effort must be given and one should not lose hope. Taking the cue, our athletes have performed very well."
Thakur also asked MPs to organise Khel Mahakumbh in their constituencies in Gujarat which will serve as a chance to connect with the youth.
About the government's work on promoting traditional games, he said the National Forensic Science University and the Youth Affairs Ministry have signed an agreement with nutritional supplement testing laboratories to provide athletes supplements that do not get them barred from international events. "The ministry has made changes in its policy and many administrative posts were surrendered and 398 coaches are in the process of being hired in 21 disciplines."
He also said that sports are a state subject and states have an important role to play in promoting it. "We brought transparency in our work and increased representations of players too. I assure you that the government is not leaving any stone unturned to promote sports in the country."