New Delhi: A meeting of major Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Public Sector Banks (PSBs) was held here today to discuss promotion of sports in the country. Several CMDs were among those who represented the PSUs and PSBs at the meeting, chaired by the Union Minister (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Vijay Goel. This was for the first time that such a meeting was convened by the Sports Minister to make concerted efforts for the promotion of sports.
In his remarks at the meeting shri Vijay Goel called upon the PSUs and PSBs to come forward and contribute significantly to the cause of promotion of sports in the country. He said that they have a vast reach and resources which can be used for growth of sports in the country. The Minister stated that they can contribute in various ways to promotion of sports including support for training of athletes, creation of sports infrastructure and organization of sports competitions. He invited PSUs and PSBs to contribute to the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) which has been set up under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for sports promotion. He pointed out that contribution to NSDF qualifies for Income Tax exemption and there is matching contribution from the Government as well. Under NSDF, top athletes have been supported for their preparation for major international tournaments and also eminent athletes have been supported for setting up academies. He said, his ministry would be happy to award PSBs and PSUs for promotion of sports under ‘RASHTRIYA KHEL PROTSAHAN PURUSKAR’. This award is given every year by the President of India.
Today’s meeting was a part of the on-going efforts being made by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Vijay Goel to forge consensus on the vision for sports in the country and initiate coordinated efforts for promotion of sports. He has already held two meetings with National Sports Federations, a round table discussion with sportspersons of eminence who have been conferred with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and coaches who have been conferred with Dronacharya Award and a brain-storming session with former eminent sportspersons, sports administrators and others associated with sports promotion in the country
