Department of Sports and Youth Affairs will soon form a Commission or Board for youths to address the issues and concerns of the youth population, announced Shri Govind Gaude, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs during a live interaction, via video conferencing, focused on the various schemes implemented by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, as a part of the flagship program of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swayampura Goa 2.0.

Recognising the importance of sports in maintaining a healthy and fit society, the government has been introducing numerous schemes to promote sports at all levels. Minister Gaude emphasized the significance of encouraging every player and highlighted the necessity of hard work and practice to become a successful athlete. To encourage them, the government has decided to introduce a sports marks system for students, aiming to recognise their achievements in sports, he added. He also sought support and cooperation in successfully conducting the National Games, which will be held in Goa.

During the Interaction session, Shri Rohit Kadam, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, provided an overview of the various schemes implemented by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), Sports Authority of Goa (SAG), and the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC). The DSYA offers 11 schemes and 5 award schemes, while the SAG implements 5 schemes. Notably, the DSYA recently introduced the Deputation of Sports Person to Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports scheme in February. This scheme aims to encourage sports enthusiasts between the ages of 21 and 35 to pursue a career as professional coaches.

To highlight the impact and effectiveness of these schemes, videos featuring beneficiaries sharing their experiences were showcased during the live interaction session. Smt. Jennifer Ferrao e Gonsalves, Deputy Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, as well as Sarpanch’s, Deputy Sarpanch’s, Swayampurna Mitras, and other individuals, joined this interaction through video calls.