PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The process of constitution of the Sports Authority of Uttarakhand (SAU) has started. The authority will promote sports activity in the State under the sports legacy plan. According to officials, the minutes of a recent meeting have been circulated by the appropriate authorities, outlining the points that should be incorporated into the comprehensive project or proposal for the sports legacy plan. Following this, work has begun on developing the detailed project for the sports legacy initiative.
The officials further said that the minutes indicate that the initial directive allows for the creation of SAU under the sports legacy proposal. This establishment is expected to facilitate the effective operation of the sports academies that will be developed under the legacy plan. They also said that another key aspect of the proposal is to investigate Public Private Partnerships (PPP), which would involve private entities and government organisations, such as ONGC and THDC, in running the sports equipment and infrastructure.
The officials further said that regarding the minutes of the meeting, the detailed project is currently in progress and is scheduled to be presented to the Chief Secretary on May 7. Following this presentation, they indicated that they would proceed with the project as directed by the CS.
It will be recalled that the authorities have opted to implement a sports legacy plan in the state to maintain and utilise the assets from the 38th National Games. This policy aims primarily to preserve the infrastructure established for the National Games while fostering a robust sports ecosystem in Uttarakhand. Previously, officials informed that the sports legacy plan includes the creation of 23 sports academies throughout the state, in locations such as Dehradun, Tehri, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Haridwar and other locations. Coaches of national and international caliber will be selected for these academies, as well as sports science specialists, physiotherapists, psychologists and other relevant professionals will be employed. The academies will provide year-round training to athletes and will also organise competitions at both national and international levels.
