New Delhi: To spot, screen, select and nurture the talents in athletics, Gail (India) Ltd and National Yuva Cooperative Society today launched the nationwide grassroots athletics programme- ‘GAIL-Indian Speedstar’ in New Delhi.
The GAIL-Indian Speedstar project, a CSR initiative by GAIL (India) Limited is being executed by National Yuva Cooperative Society in pan India in the age group of 11-17 years in 100m, 200m and 800m track events across the country. National Yuva Cooperative Society has tied up with M/s Anglian Medal Hunt Company as its Technical Partner for this project. The long term, never attempted before – focused grassroots programme aims to create a talent pool which will potentially bring glory for India in track events at the highest echelon of sporting events - the Olympics 2020/2024.
Legendary athlete P.T. Usha launched the initiative alongside the organizers Dr Ashutosh Karnatak, Director (Projects), GAIL (India) Ltd, Rajesh Pande – President, National Yuva Cooperative Society Ltd (NYCS) and Maneesh Bahuguna – CEO, Anglian Medal Hunt Company.
Speaking on the occasion, P.T. Usha said, ‘Initiatives like this is an innovative way to promote athletics among the youth. I am delighted to see the overwhelming response of the people. India has vast talent which needs to be identified and nurtured. Grassroot activities not only encourage the athletes who are deprived of the basic amenities but also give them the right platform to showcase their talent.’
Dr Ashutosh Karnatak, Director (Projects), GAIL (India) Ltd, said, ‘We have been witnessing huge potential in the emerging talents in our district trials held lately. I personally believe if given the right platform, we can have best athletes emerging from India and competing at the Olympics. We are hopeful that such kind of exposure will certainly prepare them to compete on international platforms’
Rajesh Pande, President, National Yuva Cooperative Society Ltd (NYCS), said, ‘It’s our fundamental responsibility to identify and nurture the local talent from remote areas/disadvantaged communities of India. NYCS through its nationwide network will execute the project pan India with deep penetration to the rural area of the country. The budding athletes will be provided access to coaching, foreign training, physiotherapy; mental conditioning and others support services. I hope to see more and more children taking up the sport professionally, and benefitting from the grassroots program.’
Maneesh Bahuguna, CEO, Anglian Medal Hunt Company, said, ‘Our aim is to identify the hidden talent which after given proper training could garner medals in athletics for the country in the international arena. India has given some of the best athletes and has the capability of producing even more by giving the right guidance and adequate infrastructure to the young identified talent.’
The initiative in its first year kick-started earlier this year with initial trials conducted at 55 districts across 10 states in which more than 25,000 kids and youth participated out of which 850 kids/youth finally made it to the State level Camp and Selection. The first State level camp and trial was organized on 27-28th of February in Sawai Maan Singh Stadium, Jaipur where 60 boys and girls participated out of which 4 have qualified for the next level. The remaining state trials will be held in April, 2016. The shortlisted children from the State trials will then participate in the National camp and selection which is scheduled to be held in May 2016 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi. The top 9 athletes will then be provided with a world class coaching for over a period of 5 years with an ultimate objective of one of these athletes to represent India at the Olympics.
The National Selection Committee headed by the legendary P.T. Usha comprises of other eminent members like Olympians, Rachita Mistry, Anuradha Biswal and Asian and Commonwealth Games medalist, Kavita Raut who are responsible for creating the selection criteria for the program and developing the training plan and module for the selected athletes at the National Level.
