Implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, the National Sports Talent Search Scheme has been launched with the aim of identifying sports talent in an 8 to 12-year-old group and fostering talented sports enthusiasts.

For being identified as talented, one should possess anthropometric, physical, and physiological qualities without any anatomical infirmities. Talented sports enthusiasts are further nurtured and trained for various competitions.

Objectives

The objective of the scheme is to identify young and talented sports enthusiasts and train them for national and international representations and participating in global competitions. The scheme aims to cover all schools in various states and union territories of India for a 5-year period from 2015–2016 to 2019–2020.

Eligibility

To register for the National Sports Talent Search Scheme, candidates must be in the age group of 8–12 years and in class 4th to 6th. Candidates are required to register on the official National Sports Talent Search Portal. Candidates who have clarified Physical Efficiency and Sports Aptitude Test can also apply.

Scholarship

Under this scheme, the government conducts national sports talent hunts or sports contest to choose nearly 1000 children from various schools and academies. Each selected candidate achieves a scholarship of Rs. 5 lac annually for 8 consistent years.

Benefits

  1. Implementing this scheme has helped the government in connecting with many young sports enthusiasts of India and providing them with proper aid necessary for their respective sports.
  2. This scheme will also help strengthen the less popular yet traditional rural sports culture of our country. Moreover, under this scheme, the government sets up coaching centers.
  3. Any amount of success in national and international sports competitions brings honor to the entire country, including respective states of sports enthusiasts.

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