Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 08 August 2024
Scouting for athletes under Khelo India Rising Talent Identification Scheme (KIRTI) is set to kick off in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, aiming to unearth untapped sporting talent and foster a culture of sports in the region. The initiative, part of a broader national effort, seeks to identify grassroots talent through a comprehensive and systematic approach, ultimately creating a robust pipeline of athletes to represent India on the global stage.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) will conduct a series of physical and sports-specific tests starting from the second week of August 2024. The tests will be held at multiple locations across the islands, including Port Blair, Rangat, Kadamtala, Mayabunder, and Car Nicobar.
According to a press release from SAI, sports-specific coaches, physical education teachers, and volunteers involved in the talent identification process will receive honorariums in accordance with SAI’s norms.
The pyramidical structure of KIRTI aims to cast a wide net, ensuring that a diverse range of young athletes are given the opportunity to be scouted and nurtured. This initiative is not only a step towards bolstering India’s representation in international sporting events but also an effort to embed a sporting ethos within the community.