Sports Authority of India set to be renamed as Sports India

Bearing down on the word "Authority" in Sports Authority of India (SAI), sports minister Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that it does not have any space in the management of national sports. More than 34 years since it's inception, the administrative body will now be renamed as "Sports India" for the time being. Speaking to ANI on the subject, Col. Rathore also addressed a few other issues when it came to how things were being run at various SAIs. Following up on Men's Hockey Team Coach Harendra Singh's complains that the food served at the Bengaluru Centre was unhygienic, it was further reported that the Government advised SAI to tie up with reputed names in the hospitality sector to ensure that this does not happen again. This would happen under the

SAI Residential Scheme. "It was emphasised that the highest quality of food and nutrition which is which is appropriate to the development of athletes at various levels should be ensured and there should be zero compromise on the issue," said the press release that came out of SAI's 50th General Body meeting. The other issues discussed were the possibilities of improving infrastructure within the organisation and options for entering into a private-public partnership with relevant companies and agencies. This would be a catalyst to a wholesome development wherein the stadia could be satisfactorily developed by global agencies and land which is not used can be turned into extra facilities for the athletes. Amidst all the other issues, the governing body also advised SAI to focus more on support staff and their hiring at various levels so the working of the organisation could be carried out more efficiently. Also read: Budget 2018: Arun Jaitley allocates Rs 2196 cr to Sports ministry Of course, all of these proposed changes come at the back of a budget that already sees a reduced allocation of money to SAI and its functions with a bigger increment being given to Khelo India.