Sports quota recruits working in various Government departments are set to be offered a flexible two-year Special Capacity Building Course at Patiala’s Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports to equip them with “professional coaching competencies”. The course is set to commence from October 27 with September 25 being the last date to submit applications. The initiative is driven by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s stated objective of ensuring that India’s athletes remain actively involved in the country’s sporting ecosystem even after their competitive careers wind up.
“Completion of all four levels leads to a Diploma-equivalent Certification in Sports Coaching,” stated a note from the sports ministry, which described it as “tailored for working professionals to complete within two years.” Disciplines that would be covered in the course are Athletics, Boxing, Judo, Hockey and Wrestling. NIS already offers a prestigious diploma in coaching across 26 disciplines but this course differs from that module as it seeks to “reintegrate” athletes who are employed with Government departments and have lost touch with sports.