2nd February, 2003
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports  


PARTLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ATTACHED TO MINISTRY OF SPORTS DISCUSSES ISSUES TO PROMOTE SPORTS IN THE COUNTRY

CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETS AT PATIALA


The Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Vikram Verma Chaired the meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry at Sports Authority of India, Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports, Patiala, today. The meeting was held to discuss India’s performance in the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, 2002.

The Minister informed that in the Commonwealth Games held in Manchester, U.K., India secured fourth position in overall tally by winning 30 gold, 22 silver and 17 bronze medals. Of the 10 sports disciplines in which India participated, India won medals in 9 disciplines. He also commended the performance of weightlifters and Indian shooters. The Indian women for the first time won medal in athletics in Commonwealth Games. In the 14th Asian Games at Busan, South Korea, India won 36 medals comprising 11 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze. Athlete Sunita Rani will be given her medal on 4th February, 2003 at New Delhi.

The issues discussed at the meeting include: increased funding for sports in the Budget, making sports compulsory in schools, harnessing energy of youths in sports with particular stress on the North East and systematizing the focus on sports. Replying to the queries, the Minister informed that various schemes have been formulated to chennalize the energy of youth and to give assistance to sports persons. The possibility of financial support by Corporate Sector is also being explored.

The Minister complimented the role of various Committees formed for the Commonwealth and Asian Games including Brig. K. P. Singh Deo Committee "Committee for Preparation for Commonwealth Games and Asian Games 2002".

Shri Ram Das Athawale , Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha ; Prof. I.G. Sanadi ; Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha ; Shri C. Apoke Jamir , Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha and officials of the Ministry attended the meeting. The Minister appreciated the cooperation of the Members of Parliament for their keen interest in promoting and developing Indian sports.

 

 
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