The Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) has decided to "explore new boundaries in the sporting arena", and this will give a boost to Olympic disciplines like boxing and wrestling.
Currently, the PSPB supports 15 disciplines, including hockey, and employs over 400 top players. "We want to broaden the base," said Vivek Satyajit, PSPB joint secretary, on encouraging events like boxing, shooting, wrestling and weightlifting.
As per the plan, players would initially be enrolled on scholarships and will represent their company in inter-unit competition.
"It will give opportunities to budding players to exhibit their skills," Satyajit told HT on the sidelines of the PSPB awards on Monday.
Kabaddi is another discipline the PSPB plans to patronise. "Our players are champions at the Asian Games. The event certainly needs more thrust to keep the momentum going," he said.
The PSPB also plans to focus on grassroots. Currently, the children of employees who give a good account of themselves at the state or national level are given monthly scholarships.
{{/usCountry}}The PSPB also plans to focus on grassroots. Currently, the children of employees who give a good account of themselves at the state or national level are given monthly scholarships.
{{/usCountry}}It is now looking to tap the rural areas. PSPB president, BC Tripathi, said, "We are preparing a roadmap to scout for talent and groom them."