Parliament Question: Establishment of Sports University and shortage of Coaches

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2718 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026 Establishment of Sports University and Shortage of Coaches †2718. SHRI VIRENDRA SINGH: Will the Minister of YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS be pleased to state: (a) the details of the names of the States in which sports universities are being established and whether there is any such proposal for any district of Uttar Pradesh, particularly for Chandauli, if so, the details thereof; (b) whether sports training in many rural areas is hampered due to a severe shortage of sports coaches and if so, the details of the Government strategy and plan for training of coaches; (c) whether the Government has assessed the major obstacles in nurturing sports talents in rural India and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether the Government has considered to set up sports training centres in tribal dominated hilly areas like Chandauli and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS [DR. MANSUKH MANDAVIYA] (a) The National Sports University, Imphal, is the only Sports University established by the Central Government as a Centre of Excellence for sports education. At present, there is no proposal under consideration for establishing Sports University in other parts of the country. Page 1 of 2(b) At present, 774 coaches are in position under the Sports Authority of India (SAI). In order to augment coaching strength, 323 posts in the grade of Assistant Coach have been notified for recruitment through Direct Recruitment. Further, under the Khelo India Scheme, 957 Past Champion Athletes (PCAs) have been engaged as coaches at the grassroots level. In order to strengthen coaching capacity, these PCAs undergo structured certification training at institutions such as the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala, and other recognised centres. (c) The Government is addressing challenges in nurturing sports talent in rural areas through the Khelo India Scheme by strengthening grassroots coaching through Khelo India Centres (KICs), providing financial assistance to identified Khelo India Athletes, and enhancing access to sports infrastructure and training facilities across the country. (d) ‘Sports’ being a State subject, promotion of sports in a State/UT is primarily the responsibility of the respective State/UT Governments. The Central Government supplements the efforts of the State/UT Governments through its schemes. At present, no proposal has been received from the State Government for setting up sports training centres in tribal-dominated areas like Chandauli. ***** Page 2 of 2