National sports academies for major sports: Arun Jaitley

National sports academies for major sports: Arun Jaitley

MUMBAI: The sports sector in India has received a major push in the Budget 2014 presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

 

The FM announced that provisions will be made to set up National sports academies for major sports in India. While announcing setting up of a sports university in Manipur, Jaitley also allocated Rs 100 crore for Asian and Commonwealth games training.

 

Jaitley also announced sops for sports in Jammu and Kashmir. He proposed to allocate Rs 200 crore for upgradation of sports facilities in the state.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers leader- entertainment & media practice India Smita Jha said, "You would agree with me that the Sports sector in India is much in need of transformation. Budgetary allocations towards upgrading sports infrastructure, training, nurturing best talent and setting up a sports university are in the right direction though the funds allocated are significantly less than what are needed. However, we welcome the recognition from the government that this sector requires significant investment.