Sports facilities would be available in every block: Sonowal

The Union Sports Ministry is implementing a number of important schemes for promotion of sports in the country by developing rural and urban sports infrastructure, competition events and financial assistance for youth development activities.
Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told reporters here today that the main intention was to make the sports facilities available, particularly in the rural areas to encourage sports talent there.
The aim was to also make sports a way of life, help the youth in nation and character building process, improve physical and mental health and inculcate the good values of human life, Sonowal said.
Under the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA), his ministry proposed to construct a Sports Complex in each block of the country at a cost of Rs 1.60 crore.

The funds for the RGKA will be arranged in convergence with the MGNREGA and the ministries of Rural Development, Panchayat, DONER and Planning Commission to build indoor and outdoor sports infrastructure in the 7000 plus blocks across the country, Sonowal said.
In addition, the Department of Sports will provide Rs 15 lakh for sports equipment for each block complex, Sonowal said, adding, in the case of the North East states the funds will be arranged in convergence with DONER ministry.
The Minister also said Physical Education teachers would be appointed and he would take up the matter with the Union Human Resource Development Ministry for giving marks for sports.