SAI puts temporary hold on admissions at regional centres to accommodate Khelo India

SAI Director General Neelam Kapur has mentioned that Khelo India, which is currently in its initial stage, would be their top priority of government. Khelo India has invited an Expression Of Interest to include existing and newly establishing academies in order to produce 1000 sportsperson every year as targeted by them under the Khelo India Talent Search and Development (KITD).

“As we want to incorporate athletes under Khelo India into various STC schemes, the admissions are on temporary hold. It is not aimed at ruining the career of youngsters. In fact, it is aimed at selecting the right candidates. KITD has set stiff parameters (of selection) and has been professionally planned to pick the right kid. The SAI is only taking stock of things and streamlining certain processes,” Kapur said, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

With the aim of supporting sportsperson in 12 games, namely- archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, hockey, shooting, swimming, weightlifting, rowing, fencing, wrestling and table tennis, Khelo India would be financially supporting these academies. SAI will be withholding admissions at it's 12 regional centers whereas the remaining academies will work as before.

Modified circular have, however, claimed that SAI has been planning to convert STCs into single-sport academies at those centers to avoid any kind of collision with Khelo India. Sources from SAI have pointed out that 14 STC trainees participated in the 2018 Commonwealth Games and got 16 medals.

The Khelo India accreditation procedure has only been in an infant stage and the application process only got over on June 11, which will be followed by a severe scrutiny and analysis.

“The process of talent identification is over and age verification is being done. Once, it's complete, a comprehensive list would be prepared. Since some athletes will have preferences, they might want to study in at a particular centre, we plan to accommodate them. After the final list, we will start admission. The whole process shouldn't take more than a month,” Kapur has said.