Sports Minister Vijay Goel asks PSUs, PSBs to contribute for promotion of sports

New Delhi: Sports Minister Vijay Goel has called opon the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to contribute for the promotion of sports in the country.

A meeting of major PSUs and PSBs with the sports ministry was held here today to discuss promotion of sports in the country. Several CMDs were among those who represented the PSUs and PSBs at the meeting, chaired by Goel.

This was for the first time that such a meeting was convened by the Sports Minister to make concerted efforts for the promotion of sports in the country.

In his remarks at the meeting, Goel called upon the PSUs and PSBs to come forward and contribute significantly to the cause of promotion of sports in the country.

He said that they have a vast reach and resources which can be used for the growth of sports in the country, according to a sports ministry release.

The Minister stated that they can contribute in various ways to promotion of sports, including support for training of athletes, creation of sports infrastructure and organisation of sports competitions.

He invited PSUs and PSBs to contribute to the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) which has been set up under the Sports Ministry for sports promotion. He pointed out that contribution to NSDF qualifies for Income Tax exemption and there is matching contribution from the Government as well.

Under the NSDF, top athletes have been supported for their preparation for major international tournaments. Also, eminent athletes have been supported for setting up academies.

Today's meeting was a part of the on-going efforts being made by Goel to forge consensus on the vision for sports in the country and initiate coordinated efforts for promotion of sports.

He has already held two meetings with National Sports Federations, a round table discussion with sportspersons of eminence who have been conferred with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and coaches who have been conferred with Dronacharya Award and a brain-storming session with former eminent sportspersons, sports administrators and others associated with sports promotion in the country.