Stadia maintenance and modernisation through private partnerships with appropriate agencies was approved by the Governing Body of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) here on Wednesday.
“The SAI will explore options for entering into public private partnership with appropriate agencies, including global agencies to develop the stadia, utilise the extra land which is currently not being used by the athletes, so that new facilities are created for sports which are accessible to the general public, the stadia are better maintained and revenue generation is augmented,” said a press release.
The Governing Body was of the view that, “Such development of the stadia will ensure that the rights of athletes in the coaching camps and other sports activities in the sports calendar are given priority and are fully protected. The sporting activities would not be disturbed and additional facilities would be available for the general public as well as to generate additional revenue which can be ploughed back into the development of sports.”
Managing facilities
Chaired by Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Governing Body also advised SAI to bring in, “reputed companies in the hospitality sector to manage the residential and food facilities in the SAI Residential Scheme.”
The meeting emphasised that the highest quality of food and nutrition which was appropriate to the development of athletes at various levels should be ensured and there should be zero compromise on this issue.
The Governing Body also approved the cadre restructuring proposal for SAI employees which would enable early and more efficient management structure. This would not involve creation of any additional posts and would be revenue neutral. The Secretariat for the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) was also approved to provide support to the Mission Olympic Cell.
Among other decisions were the renovation of the old Gymnastics Hall and old Boxing Hall at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, upgradation of shooting equipment at the Karni Singh Range, modernisation of the Sports Library at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and setting up of South Asian Paralympics Centre at Gandhinagar.
It was also suggested that the SAI change its name to Sports India.
