Sports Authority of India Encouraging Female Wrestlers

The Ministry of youth affairs and sports is adopting more akharas to help promote wrestling among enthusiasts. The Government of India through Sports Authority of India (SAI) under its National Sports Talent Contest Scheme (NSTC) adopts akharas that have good indoor training facility and have produced talented wrestlers.

Under this scheme, the akharas receive specialized coaches. They also receive sports kit, stipend, insurance and exposure to competitions.

Presently, the SAI has 41 akharas under its wings. In these akharas, 724 wrestlers (664 boys and 60 girls) are being trained. Recently, Jog Maharaj Vyayamshala, Pune has also been adopted in which 19 talented female wrestlers are being trained.

 “Wrestling being a traditional Indian sport, efforts are being made to admit more number of female wrestlers under SAI schemes, since there is enormous potential among the Indian women in the discipline of wrestling,” said the Minister of State for youth affairs and sports Vijay Goel.

After the inspirational story of the Phogat sisters has become more popular thanks to impactful cinema, government is making extra efforts to provide infrastructure and opportunities to aspiring wrestlers.

Content: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/ministry-of-youth-affairs-and-sports-to-promote-wrestling/articleshow/57561202.cms

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