The Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Thursday approved the establishment of seven ‘Khelo India’ centres in Chhattisgarh under the Khelo India Scheme.
At the initiatives of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, the Sports and Youth Welfare Department had sent a proposal for opening the seven centres.
The seven centres will open for one game each in different districts.
They are weightlifting (Bemetara and Raipur), football (Balod and Sukma), kho-kho (Patan-Durg district), kabaddi (Kanker) and badminton (Raigarh), an official communication said.
SAI will provide financial assistance to set up these centres. The total number of centres under the Khelo India scheme has gone up to 14 in the state.
Expressing happiness, Baghel said the players of the state will get a good chance to enhance their talent. They will be able to compete at the national and international levels.
Local senior players of each sport would be attached to the centres. They would be paid an honorarium to act as coaches.
Equal representation of boys and girls will be ensured in all the centres.