In the series of unprecedented initiatives taken by Madhya Pradesh Government for promoting sports sector, a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today decided to declare Malkhamb as State Sport. It was also decided to start a new scheme called Mission Olympics 2020 for special coaching to State’s players selected to represent the country in Olympics 2020.
Malkhamb is the most ancient sport of India, which is recognised by the Union Government. Its technique is traditional and many sports techniques have been derived from it. Malkhamb players are capable to excel in any game. This is only sport which ensures exercise of every part of body in minimum time. Malkhamb players can specially excel in wrestling, gymnastics, pole vault and other sports. Decision to declare Malkhamb as State sport has been taken in view of all these factors.
The cabinet approved scheme called Mission Olympics 2020 to coach State’s players selected to represent the country in Olympics-2020. The scheme was announced by the Chief Minister at Yuva Panchayat on January 16, 2013. Martial arts, water sports and shooting have been selected for the Olympics. Under scheme, talented players selected at minimum 9 years of age will be coached.
Services of players of international repute will be availed for each sport. Final selection of 4 male and 4 female players will be made in every sport (6 players each for shooting). Total 76 players will be imparted coaching. The selected players will be trained for two months a year.
They will be send for training in selected foreign coaching institutions. They will also be send to selected coaching institutions in the country for one month for high-level coaching.
New posts of fitness trainer, psychologist, physiotherapist and massager have also been sanctioned. `28.87 crore is estimated to be spent on the scheme during 12th Five-Year Plan (year 2013-14 to 2016-17).
The cabinet decided to introduce financial advisor system at the Government level in 10 departments. For this system, 10 posts of Additional Secretary level financial advisors will be created in Mantralaya.
These posts will be filled up by availing services of officers of the rank of Madhya Pradesh Finance Service officers or Additional Secretary rank of officers of All-India Services on deputation.
These departments are Urban Administration and Development, School Education, Rural Development, Public Health and Family Welfare, Women & Child Development, Forest, Home, Water Resources, Public Works and Energy departments.