Union minister of state for Youth Affairs and Sports (independent charge) and minister of state for defence, Jitendra Singh, inaugurated a Sports Authority of India (SAI) Boxing and Kabaddi Extension Centre at SD college campus on Tuesday. The minister also inaugurated the basketball facility.
The centre, the fourth of its type in Punjab, has been established by SAI for talent identification and taking that ability to fruition. SAI has sanctioned two coaches, each for boxing and kabaddi at the centre.
The minister said: "The SAI sub- centre will provide a major fillip to strengthen sports infrastructure. By establishing such centres, we wish to inculcate spirit of sportsmanship in youth to prevent them from indulging in drugs and other anti-social activities," the minister added.
Sangrur MP Vijay Inder Singla said, "Our expenditure on sports, by both central and state governments is a mere two paisa per person per day. In addition to schemes like PYKKA (Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan) and USIS (Urban Sports Infrastructure Scheme), PPPs are established to take sports in India to the next level."
Singla suggested, "Private investment in setting up specified sports infrastructure should be encouraged by giving income-tax benefits as is done for investments made by private sector in R&D sector. Expenditure on capacity building or nurturing young sports talent should qualify as eligible expenditure under Corporate Social Responsibility."
He added that he had sanctioned Rs 1.6 crore from MPLAD to youth clubs and village panchayats/ municipal bodies for Gym Kits and for construction of stadiums etc in Sangrur and Barnala districts.
{{/usCountry}}He added that he had sanctioned Rs 1.6 crore from MPLAD to youth clubs and village panchayats/ municipal bodies for Gym Kits and for construction of stadiums etc in Sangrur and Barnala districts.
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