The main programmes and activities of SAI consist of schemes drawn up and approved within the SAI and schemes of the Department implemented through the SAI on an agency basis. The main schemes of the SAI are given below:

National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC)
Special Area Games
Sports Projects Development Area (SPDA)
Sports Hostel Scheme
Boys Sports Companies in the Army
National Coaching Scheme
Sports Science Research Fellowship Scheme

(a) National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC)

Started in 1985, this scheme attempts to identify talented school children in the age group of 9 to 12 years. Children are selected in 10 Olympic disciplines, viz. Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Boxing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Wrestling through a series of tests and contests held at various levels.

Following selection, these children are admitted in SAI adopted schools (of which there are 58 at present) where their board, lodging and tuition fees are met by SAI. SAI also provides coaches and special infrastructure facilities to these schools, along with recurring grants for maintenance and equipment.

(b) Special Area Games

This scheme, started in 1985, aims at identifying population groups and regions where natural talent and aptitude for a particular sport exists. The scheme involves a process of identification and survey of areas and regions, special competitions to assess potential, selection of promising young boys and girls and intensive training at SAG centres, where educational and vocational training facilities are also provided.

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(c) Sports Projects Development Area (SPDA)

This Scheme, started in 1988, aims at providing basic sports facilities at 78 locations throughout the country, where a comprehensive and integrated system of coaching and training is provided to talented young sportspersons in the age group of 9 to 14 years. This is aimed at providing in-house facilities to the talented youth in their own states. A maximum of three Olympic disciplines, in addition to one indigenous game, are offered for training. Three Olympic disciplines should generally include at least one of the three mother disciplines, i.e. athletics, gymnastics, swimming in each centre. Thirty out of 34 SPDA Centres have started functioning, with a total strength of 679 sportspersons. An amount of Rs. 1.00 crore is budgeted for the construction of these Centres (met equally by the Centre and the concerned State), and all running costs are met by SAI.

(d) Sports Hostel Scheme

This Scheme was introduced to provide basic facilities in each State and National level Championships. All running costs, including equipment, training, etc. are provided by SAI. Each hostel has a sanctioned strength of 50 boys and 30 girls. 18 hostels have so far been established with 895 children.


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(e) Boys Sports Companies in the Army

This scheme is an extension of the N.S.T.C. scheme and was approved for implementation from the year 1991-92. SAI and Army authorities have jointly launched this Scheme to scout talented boys upto the age of 14 years from rural, semi urban and tribal areas and train them in sports.

Seventeen Boys Sports Companies for 2000 boys are to be set up during the VIII Plan at selected Regimental Centres. The boys will be put into Regimental Schools which will be affiliated to the CBSE. On attaining the age of 17 years and on completion of 10th standard, the boys will be absorbed in the Army, if they so wish. Thereby, a job is guaranteed to them. The running costs are borne by SAI. It also provides a one time grant to the Army for creation and development of sports infrastructure, purchase of essential sports equipment upto Rs. 3.00 Iakh and for training kit/aid upto Rs.1.00 lakh. Thereafter, an annual grant of Rs. 50,000/ is provided. 17 Boys Sports Companies have become functional with a total strength of 859 sportspersons.

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(f) National Coaching Scheme

The National Coaching Scheme, which was first introduced in 1955, is meant to encourage people to take up coaching. The Scheme, over the years has undergone numerous changes and is now a major source for meeting the requirement of coaches by various user agencies.

Under the Scheme, coaches are made available to States/UTs for State coaching centres, district coaching and university field stations and also to national sports federations/associations. Coaches are also deployed in SAI regional centres, academic wings and in house training centres. At present, the total strength of coaches under the scheme is 1677.

(g) Sports Science Research Fellowship Scheme

The Sports Authority of India awards Sports Science Fellowships to research workers for carrying out research in sports science related areas such as sports physiology, sports injuries, sports big mechanics and training methods. Under the Scheme, 5-10 fellowships are awarded every year. The value of each fellowship grant is Rs. 20,000/ per annum with an additional contingency grant of Rs. 10,000/ per annum Academic Wings.


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