Sankhalim: Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Tuesday expressed the possibility of having tie up with Goa-based Sesa Football Academy under Central government’s flagship Khelo India program.
“We will hopefully very soon also be recognizing Vedanta Football Academy as our partner in Khelo India,” the minister said addressing an event at the Academy, located at Sankhalim village, 40 kms away from here.
“We believe that the best way to go ahead in sports is to develop partnerships with people, it could be NGOs, Private Companies or anyone,” he said.
“We have 80 academies that are affiliated with Khelo India, of which 50 per cent are private academies. The idea is that we share the responsibility of developing sports in our country,” he added.
Responding to a question during interaction with mediapersons, Rathore said that the team of Khelo India will visit the Academy before finalizing their empanelment.
“I have said that there is a possibility ahead of affiliating Sesa Football Academy in Khelo India, depending when my officers come here and see the infrastructure and training that is happening coupled with the program that they have made for various sports events,” he said.
Referring to Central government’s achievements in sports ministry, Rathore said the centre has started lot of program like Khelo India.
“That is the vision of PM where he feels that anyone who plays has a very distinct and great personality. Whether you continue playing or go into any other field,” he said.
“The fact that you play makes you special. PM believes that India needs to become fit mentally and physically, and there is nothing better than a sports,” the minister added.
He said that Sports is a place where you forget about your caste, creed, religion and you all become one team.
