Sports Ministry to launch portal for children

The Sports Ministry has decided to start a Talent Search Portal to give a "fair opportunity" to children from all over the country to pursue sports.
"The portal is intended to give a fair opportunity to talented children from every nook and corner of the country to pursue their dreams of achieving excellence in sports," the Ministry said in a statement.
Details of the performance and potential of a child including video and photographs could be uploaded on the portal by children, their parents, relatives, teachers and others on the portal.
A format will be available on the portal to capture the key details of the child. After due scrutiny, children with potential will be given an opportunity to appear for a battery of tests which could be conducted at the nearest SAI Centre among others.

Those who pass the battery of tests will be admitted to the training centres of SAI. Sports Ministry will also persuade the State Governments and others to admit some of such children in their centres.
Such talented children who are not able to leave their current places of residence for any reason may be offered a scholarship to help them pursue excellence in sports.
The portal will allow talented children to stake their claim for support including admission to sports training centres from the comforts of their homes and will simplify procedures. It will be particularly beneficial to the disadvantaged sections of the society.

The plan is to target talented children of 8 years and above. Efforts will be made to involve National Sports Federations, corporate houses and other stake-holders in the programme. The portal is likely to be launched within a month.