Will set up centre of excellence for sports: Sandeep

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, December 2

Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Sandeep Singh on Monday said the state would prepare world-level players, for which a centre of excellence for between eight and 10 disciplines would be set up on the pattern of the NIS in Patiala.

He said this during a meeting with officials of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department in Kurukshetra. “Along with good trainers, players will get hostels and other facilities. If a player gets an Olympic, Asian or Commonwealth medal, the district sports and youth affairs officer of the district will be honoured,” he said.

Cautioning officials, he said they would have to take permission for leave from the Directorate through e-mail and application through WhatsApp or text message would not be accepted.

He said a new attendance system would be introduced for players and trainers within a month and the minister would be able to check attendance through mobile phone.

“The quality of stadiums built in the last few years will be checked after a team is set up for the purpose. If any irregularity is found, strict action will be taken against the person concerned. Some amount meant for diet of players in nurseries is directly transferred into their bank accounts, but they are not utilising the money,” said the minister.

“Starting a protein-rich diet to players at nurseries right after training is under consideration. They will be provided better infrastructure and kits and a panel will be set up to keep a check on quality. No attention is being paid to sports in some parts of the state, where focus will be paid afresh,” he said.

He said he had been receiving complaints regarding indiscipline among some players and coaches, which was unacceptable. He said a flying squad had been set up to check attendance of trainers at stadiums, sports centres and nurseries.

He said it would be ensured that outsiders were not allowed to disturb the training of players. He said some coaches were running private nurseries, which was not acceptable.

He said the district sports officer concerned would face action if any coach was found to be running a private nursery in the district. He said trainers must keep their focus on training players instead of focusing on umpiring.