New Delhi: To build world class sportspersons, nation should have competency in sports science, which will give support to the sportspersons so that they can achieve their full potential at the highest level. A few universities will be identified in the country where sports science department can be opened. This was announced by the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Mr Vijay Goel after a brain-storming session held in New Delhi yesterday with former eminent sportspersons, sports administrators and others associated with sports promotion in the country.

A number of steps will be taken to strengthen Sports Science set-up in the country. These include opening of Sports Science Centres and purchase of sports science equipments for the Sports Complexes of Sports Authority of India.  Universities will also join this campaign by opening Sports science department.

The Minister said that an effort will be made to support individuals and organizations which are promoting sports in their own ways in different parts of the country. He also stressed the need to significantly enhance the budget of the Department of Sports and stated that he has already taken up the matter with the Union Finance Minister.

On the issue of foreign coaches, he said that the government has already decided to issue open advertisement for engaging foreign coaches wherever possible. It will be ensured that Foreign coaches who are engaged train Indian coaches as well. The Minister also said that the existing sports facilities in the country including in SAI must be optimally utilized.

‘Chintan Workshop’ was attended among others by Mr Jagbir Singh and Mr Viren Rasquinha, former Indian Hockey Captains, Mr Gagan Narang and Mr Morad Ali Khan, both Shooters. A free flowing discussion took place in the workshop on measures that are required to be taken for achieving the twin objectives of Sports Policy – ‘Excellence in Sports’ and ‘Broad-basing of Sports’.

He has already held two meetings with National Sports Federations and 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.

Later, Mr Vijay Goel felicitated the Winner Indian Women Hockey Team of Asian Champions Trophy at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.