Acharya Nagarujua University, for first time in the history of Indian universities, is conducting a six-week certificate coaching course of Sports Authority of India (SAI) in which 67 candidates from all over the country are learning the nuances (theory and practical) in their chosen sporting segment. The course, offered in athletics, kho kho, kabaddi and basketball, would conclude on June 26.
“SAI, which conducts coaching courses at various centres in the country, was impressed by our sporting infrastructure and the manner in which we conducted national and all-India events.
SAI South Regional Director S. S. Roy was instrumental in allotting this course to ANU. The course has come as a shot in the arm to several senior players in Andhra Pradesh as they can shape into a qualified coaches and earn a respective livelihood,” said university physical director Dr. Y. Kishore. He felt that the candidates, who emerge as coaches after the course, can earn around Rs.10, 000 to Rs. 15,000 in various corporate schools, colleges, corporations and clubs in Andhra Pradesh. “There is acute shortage of coaches in the State and courses like this will revitalise the sporting activities”.
Inter-state
Dr. Kishore said that along with players from AP, athletes from Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu have enrolled into course by paying Rs. 15,500. “It is nice to see that majority of the students are former players. There are a couple of internationals too.
The academic wing of SAI will allot marks and certificates based on their performances,” he added. SAI coach Vinayak Prasad felt that metropolitan cities offered better prospects as the concept of good health was growing among urbanites. “There is a buzz in sporting activities in cities. These qualified coaches can earn a minimum of Rs 25,000 in cities as people are turning health- conscious,” he said.
ANU could get the course after a concerted four-year long effort under the guidance of vice-chancellor K. Viyyana Rao and many felt that other universities like Andhra, Osmania, Sri Venkateswara and Yogi Vamana in AP should try and get courses in other games and sports.
“Hundreds of qualified coaches can be produced by this certificate courses and they in return will produce hundreds of quality athletes,” felt Dr. Kishore.
