SAI to introduce `come and play` scheme

Thiruvananthapuram: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is introducing `come and play` scheme at all its centres across the country to encourage participation in sports by children in the age group of 8-17 years.

The move is also aimed at better utilisation of sports facilities. The scheme would be inaugurated at Lakshmibhai National College of Physical Education (LNCPE) by cricketer S Sreesanth and athlete Beenamol at the LNCPE athletic stadium at Kariavattom near on Friday. The scheme is being introduced on the special direction from Union Minister of state for Sports Ajay Maken, a press release here said. Special preference would be given to girls, BPL (below poverty line) category, government school students, national and state level medal winners for the training. Meritorious talents emerging from the scheme would form a pool and entry link for induction into regular residential sports promotional schemes of SAI training centres. The scheme would be available for athletics, swimming, gymnastics, handball, cycling, tennis, basketball, boxing, kabaddi, cricket and taekwondo. PTI