SAI set to appoint 119 coaches across country

Sports Authority of India (SAI) is all set to appoint more than 100 coaches on contract basis across the country to augment their availability in select disciplines.
Continuing with its mandate of development and promotion of sports in the country, SAI has invited applications from eligible candidates for engagement as coaches on contract basis for an initial period of one year.
In February last year, SAI had appointed 172 coaches on regular basis after 19 years and this will be the second time that SAI has come up with such a mass recruitment drive.
As part of the initiative, coaches will be appointed for two separate zones, one for the SAI North-Eastern Centers Imphal and Guwahati (covering Arunachal Pradesh, Assam Manipur, Mizoram, Meghlaya, Nagaland and Sikkim) and others for the rest of the country.

"It has always been our aim to train and prepare sports persons to participate in international competitions and excel in sports and coaching is an important part of the whole process. So this is a step towards strengthening the coaching cadre in the country," SAI Director General Injeti Srinivas, a 1983-cadre IAS officer from Odisha, said in a release.
As part of the initiative, 116 coaches will be appointed in 24 disciplines, which include boxing, archery, football, Wrestling and Weight lifting.

Besides, SAI will also appoint three coaches for its Special Area Games center at Port Blair, Nicobar Islands for three disciplines -- Cycling (1), Canoeing & Kayaking (1) and Rowing (1).

The interested candidates need to have a diploma in coaching from SAI NSNIS, Patiala or from any recognized Indian or foreign University or should have participated in Olympics/Asian Games/World Championship with a Certificate Course in the concerned sports discipline from SAI NIS or have successfully completed two levels of accreditation/certificate courses offered by the International Federation of the sporting discipline concerned.
Considering Yoga as an integral part of sports, especially for rehabilitation, mental and psychological strengthening, SAI said 10 posts have been advertised.