No dearth of funds for sports, says Rijiju

The House passed the demands for grants under the control of the Union ministry of youth affairs and sports for 2019-20 by voice vote.

Replying after the debate on the demands for grants under the ministry, Mr Rijiju said sports is a state subject said the Centre gives funds as per the requirements of the states.

The minister assured that there will be no dearth of funds for the sportspersons and informed the House that he will hold a meeting in this regard with corporate leaders after the budget session next month.

All needs of former athletes will be taken care and they will be provided pension, he said.

He said under the Khelo India programme, more than 4,000 talents are being picked and are being given training.

Speaking on the cleanliness issue of the stadia in the country, the minister said: “We want stadiums to be clean and green.”

He said stadia will be checked every six months to see whether they are clean and green and action will be taken against the non-performing officials.

Mr Rijiju also said the ministry will provide funds for nutritional food for the sportspersons whether they are junior or senior as per their dietary requirements and they can eat as much they want.

“We will ensure that both senior and junior sports sportspersons, are given the adequate funds,” the minister said.

The minister said for 2020 Tokyo Olympics, India house will be set up in the Japanese capital providing Indian athletes Indian food.

Earlier, NPP member Agatha Sangma, TRS member Venkatesh Netha Borlakunta, BJP member Ravi Kishan and Hanuman Beniwal of RLP also participated in the debate.