"We are planning for about 25 centres of excellence in the country. During my meeting with the Chief Minister and sports minister, I have assured one such centre in Karnataka, in Bangalore as we have facilities here," he told reporters here.
He said the immediate need is to have infrastructure at the grassroot level where talent can be identified and nurtured.
Stating that a proper roadmap has to be drawn up for identification and nurturing of talent, he said "we are soon coming up with an important programme, where will be able to provide infrastructure at all the block level."
The minister said nine different disciplines of sports will be focused on at the Centre of Excellence. Additionally there would be seven or eight other disciplines which will be optional and region specific.
Stating that SAI (Sports Authority of India) centres are important for development of sports in the country, he said plans are on to strengthen and develop SAI centres.
On the question relating to awarding Bharat Ratna to sportsmen,he said "I had written a letter to Prime Minister to consider Dhyan Chand, who is an icon and source of inspiration to the whole country. Many sports icons come under this category. We will make similar demand for them as well."