Alumni of SAI Calicut Launches Initiative to Support Young Athletes
Formation of ASAIC to Aid Emerging Sportspersons
New Delhi, January 6: A group of former athletes from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Sports Training Centre (STC) in Calicut, Kerala, has come together to form the Alumni of SAI Calicut (ASAIC). This initiative aims to support and nurture the next generation of athletes.
The ASAIC's mission includes providing modern sports equipment, quality gear and apparel, financial aid, and professional mentorship to talented athletes, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, as stated in a release from SAI.
In a significant development, ASAIC has launched its official website, which is intended to improve outreach, promote transparency, and foster engagement with athletes, educational institutions, and other stakeholders within the sports community.
During the website launch, Hari Ranjan Rao, the Director General of SAI, emphasized the organization's dedication to maintaining high training standards at SAI-STC Calicut. He praised the centre's remarkable achievements, which include producing an Arjuna Award winner, two Olympians, and forty-six athletes who have represented India in various international events.
In the last two years, ASAIC has provided sports equipment valued at nearly ₹20 lakh to around 30 schools, clubs, and academies. The organization has also offered scholarships to a national-level athlete and financial support to injured athletes.
“These efforts have been made possible through the personal contributions of former athletes from their earnings, along with support from like-minded individuals and organizations,” he noted.
The launch of the website signifies a crucial advancement in the alumni-led initiative aimed at uplifting future generations of Indian athletes.
Additionally, the alumni group has provided scholarship assistance to a national-level athlete and financial help to injured sportspersons lacking medical insurance, ensuring they can continue their athletic careers.