Rajyavardhan Singh announces Sports Authority of India to be renamed as Sports India

More than 34 years after coming into existence, the Sports Authority of India would be renamed as Sports India, Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore announced on Wednesday after the sports body's governing body meeting here.

"It was emphasised that the highest quality of food and nutrition which is appropriate to the development of athletes at various levels should be ensured and there should be zero compromise on this issue," said the release.

SAI would explore options for entering into the public-private partnership with appropriate agencies, including global agencies to develop the stadia, utilize the extra land which has not been used by the athletes, so that new facilities could be created for sports which would be accessible to the general public. In order to develop the infrastructure of global standards at the best possible price, SAI would develop its procurement system keeping in mind the rules of the GFR, so that higher standards of infrastructure are developed and maintained. The governing body decided that the engineering wing in SAI would be strengthened to undertake this activity.

The governing body also advised the SAI to encourage the entry of professionals at various levels to manage critical activities for better accountability and efficient functioning. The Secretariat for the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) was also approved to provide support to the Mission Olympic Cell.