Government promoting traditional games

PUNE: The Union government has denied that the traditional/indigenous/domestic games are becoming extinct in the country.
A statement issued by the press information bureau says that minister of state (Independent Charge) for skill development, entrepreneurship, youth affairs and sports Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha said, that the existing schemes of the government of India and Sports Authority of India (SAI) lay adequate focus on the promotion of traditional and indigenous games.
Under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs), various sports federations dealing with indigenous/traditional games like Chess, Wrestling, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, Malkhamb, Atya Patya etc. have been given government recognition, and are provided with financial assistance for promotional and developmental activities under the scheme of assistance to NSFs.
The minister said, under the Scheme of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA), launched in February, 2014 in place of erstwhile Panchayat Yuva Krida aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA), integrated Sports Complexes will be constructed in every rural block panchayat of the country. Each Sports complex will cost Rs. 1.75 crore and have 11 outdoor and 5 indoor games with flexibility to choose 3 local games within the limit of 16 games.
The outdoor disciplines are Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Football, Handball, Hockey, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Tennis and Volley ball. The indoor disciplines are Boxing, Wrestling, Table Tennis, Weightlifting and also provision of a multi-gym.