SAI approves new centers in Jammu and Srinagar

Sports Authority of India today cleared 11 projects worth Rs 72 crore, including setting up of a new training center in Jammu and an extension facility in Srinagar, in its Governing Body Meeting here.
Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who chaired the meeting, emphasised on the target-oriented approach for development of sports and effective implementation of all SAI promotional schemes across the country.
He also stressed upon nurturing budding talent from the rural area.
Besides opening new centers in Jammu and Srinagar, other major decisions taken during the meeting related to renovation and development of infrastructure, a release from the SAI said.

The decisions include construction of 400 bedded dormitory at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi; upgradation of hostels at NSSC, Bengaluru; construction of 100 bedded hostel at SAI Sonepat; renovation of 240 bedded hostel at NS NIS Patiala and major revamp of Special Area Centre at Tinsukiya (Assam).
Construction of synthetic track at HATC Shillaroo, wrestling hall at SAI Sonepat and relaying of wooden flooring of multipurpose hall at SAI sub-center Guwahati and renovation of swimming pool complex at NSSC Bengaluru were also approved.

With a vision to provide the best scientific support during the national camps, additional fund to the tune of Rs 3.8 Crore was approved for procurement of scientific equipment for four Regional Centers -- NSSC Bangalore, SAI Bhopal, SAI Sonepat and NSNIS Patiala.

The General Body also gave a go ahead for setting up of Navy Boys Sports Company (NBSC) for Sailing, Kayaking and Canoeing at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (Kerala) and raising of Air Force Boys Sports Squadrons (AFBSS) for boxing and wrestling at Air force Station Belgaum on the pattern of Army Boys sports company scheme (ABSCs).
Proposal for setting up of a Sports Museum at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi was also approved in principle. The museum will demonstrate the journey of traditional Indian sports to modern one.
The meeting was attended by Sports Secretary Ajit Sharan, newly appointed SAI Director General Injeti Srinivas, SAI Secretary Hira Ballabh, Murad Ali, Pullela Gopi Chand, Viren Rasquina, Ashwani Nachappa, Bhaichung Bhutia, Zafar Iqbal and other eminent sportspersons along with officials from SAI and the Sports Ministry.