Government to launch portal for recognising sporting talent

Sports Minister Vijay Goel on Friday revealed that the government was set to launch a web portal to unearth talent in various sports disciplines across India.

"We have already succeeded in making the portal in English and Hindi. We will further make it in regional languages and launch the portal soon," Goel said.

Detailing the benefits of the portal, Goel said: "Kids from eight years and above will be benefitted from the portal. Their teacher, coaches can upload their curriculum vitae and videos... Sports Authority of India (SAI) will select talent from these documents and pick up athletes for further training."

The Sports Minister also sought to clarify reports about Indian para-swimmer Kanchanmala Pande who was forced to seek funds for living expenses from athletes from other countries at the World Para Swimming Championships held in Berlin earlier this month.

"The Ministry and Sports Authority of India (SAI) had released the funds on time. However, the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) did not release the funds," Goel said.

"I later personally had a word with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He told me the person who had to sign for availing funds, Kailash Gambhir, was not present so the problem took place," he added.