CHANDIGARH: Punjab’s government schools could soon teach sports as a subject from Class I, instead of VI. The proposal was given in-principle approval by chief minister
Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the state will also reconsider the cash awards given to sportspersons who win medals at international events.
At a review meeting of the sports department, a decision was taken to work out the modalities for a health insurance schemes for sports veterans.
Amarinder also asked officials to re-look the existing structure of cash awards to sportspersons who win medals in national and international games, such as Olympics, Commonwealth, and Asiad in order to boost the morale of the sportspersons.
On introducing sports period in Class I, in place of the current Class VI, the idea is to catch students young. Schools, colleges and universities would pro-actively intensify their efforts to promote sports in their institutions. Amarinder asked the sports department to make use of the state’s excellent infrastructure for hockey, football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, athletics, and aquatics (swimming).
Noting that it was the government’s duty to fend for sports veterans who had done the state proud during their sporting careers, Amarinder asked the sports department to work out a scheme to extend financial aid for them. Pointing out that several such veterans were seen to be in the grip of ill health or age related complications, he asked the Secretary Sports to chalk out modalities for a health insurance scheme to ensure the best health and medical care for these veterans. He also suggested increase in the existing pension for sport persons.
The need to involve deputy commissioners, who were also the Presidents of District Olympic Associations, in promoting sports was also discussed. Deputy commissioner,
Sri Muktsar Sahib, recently organized a 'marathon-2018' at
Gidderbaha to inculcate sports spirit amongst the youth.
