SAI shortlists 734 youngsters for Khelo India scholarship

NEW DELHI: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Sunday announced that it has shortlisted 734 young players for a scholarship programme under the Khelo India Talent Identification Development scheme.
The names were finalised by SAI's High Powered Committee (HPC) after a talent identification committee comprising Arjuna Awardees and Dronacharya Awardees proposed a list of the beneficiaries.
The two key features of the scholarship, which will be given to 385 boys and 349 girls, are an annual stipend and training support from Khelo India-accredited academies, which also includes 21 non-SAI academies approved by the HPC.
Under the programme, the players will receive an annual stipend of Rs 1.2 lakh that will be given to them quarterly "to meet their out-of-pocket expenses, treating injuries and ... local travel for themselves and their parents/family members."
Meanwhile, the accredited academies will "look after the training, boarding and tournament expenses of the athletes" to provide them access to quality training without having to travel long distances.
However, the performance of both the academies and the players will be put through a review mechanism, failing which the academies may be de-listed and the athletes not meeting the requisite standards weeded out.