Coming soon: Sports academies

Good news for those who want a career in sports. The state government is coming up with new sports academies across Maharashtra  as part of their latest sports policy.

Following directives of the latest sports policy, such academies will be established in every division of the state. A 15-member committee has been appointed to chalk out guidelines for admission, faculty, evaluation and others in two months. It will appoint a strong faculty, including visiting international athletes and coaches.

These will train students in local and international games. For admission, students will have to appear for a battery of entrance tests. Those who have participated in national-level tournaments and excelled in state-level ones will be eligible for direct admission.

At present, young athletes face a deficit of sporting facilities as there inadequate sports clubs or academies that cater to a variety of sports. “This will be a first-of-its-kind academy as it will offer excellence in a variety of sports,” a senior education official said. “There are many under-utilised sports complexes in the state.

Many grounds earmarked for sports have been encroached upon or are lying unused. Setting up such academies will ensure that more youngsters benefit from them.”

The state ha d revoked the 25 additional marks given to Class X students excelling in s ports. From this year, only those on the verge of failing their exams will be given these marks.

“Initiatives like this will help encourage and train young talent. Being a state initiative, the fees will be less compared to that of private institutes,” the official said.