In a landmark initiative aimed at nurturing young sporting talent, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has unveiled a comprehensive plan to develop state-of-the-art sports grounds and modern training facilities across government schools in the capital. The project seeks to identify and train potential champions from an early age, making Delhi a leading hub for sports excellence.
During a high-level review meeting with the Education Department at the Delhi Secretariat, the Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a detailed roadmap for the project. She emphasised that every school must provide access to structured sports training so that children can pursue their ambitions in athletics alongside academics.
Sports Infrastructure Overhaul
тАЬOur vision is to make DelhiтАЩs government schools nurseries of sporting talent. Every child should get the opportunity to play, learn discipline, and dream big,тАЭ said CM Rekha Gupta.
Under this initiative, the Delhi Government will construct modern sports grounds and multipurpose auditoriums across 799 government school campuses. Schools in rural or outer Delhi will be given priority, ensuring equal opportunities for students from all regions.
Wherever possible, open areas will be transformed into full-fledged sports fields, while in space-constrained zones, mini stadiums and indoor sports arenas will be established. Select schools will also feature swimming pools to promote training in water sports.
The Chief Minister assured that adequate funds will be allocated and that the project will be executed in mission mode for timely completion.
Partnerships with Reputed Sports Academies
To build a strong and professional sports ecosystem, the government plans to collaborate with leading sports academies through MoUs in disciplines such as cricket, boxing, taekwondo, football, and swimming. These partnerships will help introduce structured training programmes and mentorship opportunities for students.
тАЬWeтАЩre not just creating infrastructureтАФweтАЩre cultivating a culture of sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership,тАЭ the CM added.
Incentives and Support for Athletes
Highlighting the governmentтАЩs commitment to rewarding excellence, CM Gupta said that Delhi already offers some of the countryтАЩs highest cash awards for athletes:
- тВ╣7 crore for Olympic gold medallists
- тВ╣5 crore for silver medallists
- тВ╣3 crore for bronze medallists
Promising players at the state and national levels will also receive financial assistance and government job opportunities under new incentive schemes.
Envisioning DelhiтАЩs schools as тАЬcradles of future Olympians,тАЭ CM Rekha Gupta said the project will bridge the gap between education and sports, fostering well-rounded growth among students.
She directed officials to monitor progress regularly and ensure that every schoolchild gets an opportunity to engage in at least one sport.
тАЬOur goal is to build not just stadiums, but the spirit of sportsmanship that defines great nations,тАЭ she concluded.
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