The Sports and Youth Services Department has invited applications from sportspersons who have represented the state or nation and organisations promoting sports for at least five years to set up Khelo India District Centres (KIDC) across the state.

The Khelo India District Centres across Odisha will be setup by availing financial grant and support provided by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) under Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with a vision to develop grassroot sports.

The centres will provide scientific and qualitative training and coaching in different sports discipline to young talent of the state who can bring laurels for the state and the nation. Union Sports Ministry has decided to set up 1000 KIDCs across the country.

Last date for submission of complete application by e-mail: kipmu.odisha@gmail.com is October 20. Application form and detailed guidelines for implementation and regulation of Khelo India Centres can be obtained at https://departmentsportsodisha.gov.in

According to implementation guidelines, Khelo India District Centres would provide opportunity to past champion athletes to become coaches and mentors for youngsters, run the sports training centre in an autonomous manner and earn their livelihood. Initial and annual support will be provided to willing past champions for running sports training/coaching under the Khelo India Scheme.

Coacing/training in only 14 sports disciplines identified for Summer Olympics 2024, football and indigenous games would be eligible. To be eligible for grant, KIDC would be required to have a minimum of 30 regular trainees in any given sport discipline.

KIDCs will be given one-time initial grant of Rs 5 lakhs per discipline for preparation/upgradation of sports fields, purchase of sports equipments, sports kits etc. Recurring annual grant of Rs 5 lakhs for each sport discipline up to a maximum of three identified disciplines will be given to the KIDCs.

Financial assistance to the KIDCs would not bar its proponents from charging reasonable fees from trainees and obtain financial assistance from other sources. The 14 identified sports disciplines are: archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, fencing, hockey, judo, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting and wrestling.