Sports Authority of India Expedites Efforts to Make 'Vision 2020' a Reality

"After meeting the federation officials and getting the list of probables, we will start monitoring the training camps where we would be looking at certain requirements like foreign coaches, diets, training equipment, infrastructure among others," he said.

SAI will finish meeting federation officials in around one month's time and send the project to the Sports Ministry for its approval.

"In one month's time, we will complete the drill on our part and send the project for ministry's approval. The cost of the project would come down to Rs 2000 crore. Sports ministry has shown interest in the project and they are keen on implementing it at the earliest. After getting the due approval, the project will be launched by this year," he said.

The major funding involves national coaching camps and international exposures till 2016-17; national coaching camps and international exposures from 2017-18 to 2020-21 and foreign coaches' salary.

The scheme, launched under the guidance of former SAI Director General Desh Deepak Verma and headed by Roque Dias, Regional Director (LTDP - Youth OG' 20), will involve agencies like Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and NSFs.

Under the scheme, insurance cover will be provided to all the trainees undergoing national coaching camps and monetary incentive for team members would be provided to those athletes who qualify for the 2020 Olympics.

The SAI has set an aim of 20-30 per cent selection of the athletes from the scheme for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

After the Rio de Janeiro Games, the athletes in certain disciplines will be provided with high altitude training camps so as to get Olympic quota in the recognised World Cup/World Championship, Olympics qualifying events and Asian Championships.

The best foreign coaches available will be appointed along with the Indian coaches to train the young athletes, while the latest technology coupled with scientific back up and sports facilities will be provided to these sportspersons from the very beginning of their training.

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