SAI PORTAL SPARKS CURIOSITY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of a special web portal by Sports Authority of India (SAI) for sportspersons from August 28 has sparked curiosity in many sports educators.

Heads of academic institutions, regional heads of SAI and sportspersons along with trainers and coaches have been asked to tune into PM’s popular monthly radio programme on Saturday.

The web portal with sportspersons’ experience and videos will ensure sponsorship by the government.

Mr Rajshekar Kalivenkata, a physical director, said, “The portal will be first of its kind in the country. However, it is not clear who will monitor the data. There are also chances of doctoring them. So, there should be a strict mechanism to ensure that sportspersons get their due.”

Star cricketer Sachin Tendulkar took to twitter to appreciate the step and expressed excitement about the portal.

Physical directors of universities in Telangana said that a committee appointed by MHRD had submitted its report, which stated that there should be changes in sports at universities. It suggested grace marks for sports, cash awards and online recording of sports data.

“Admissions under the sports quota are never checked. Educational institutions do not encourage sports above academics. There should be constant monitoring and promotion of sports with better equipment and facilities,” Rajshekar said.

Physical directors preferred catching students young for better results. Pranav Rajiv, a sports teacher, said, “Training should start from a young age. Using sports as a hobby is hindering our talents.”

A Dinakar Babu, vicechairman of the Sports Authority of Telangana, said, “We have been catering to the national policy by promoting sports at schools and universities. We have called for a meeting with university heads to develop sports infrastructure. It will start with Osmania University.”