New Delhi, July 9: Assuring assured all possible Centre''s
financial support, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. M.S. Gill
here today urged the States to make concerted efforts to provide basic
infrastructure at Panchayat level.

Inaugurating the conference of the State Ministers of Youth Affairs
and Sports, Dr. Gill emphasised for promotion of sports at grassroot
level as universalisation of sports cannot be achieved without adequate
thrust on development of sports at Panchayat level.

He said that Government had already decided to provide one time seed
capital to each panchayat and asked the States to send proposals to
avail the benefits of the centrally sponsored scheme.

The Minister also apprised the participants about the various
initiatives taken by the Central Government recently, which include
enhancing the pension and other incentives for outstanding sports
person.

The daylong conference is being attended by Ministers from States and senior officers from various concerned Ministries.

The participants will deliberate on issues relating to promotion of sports activities and development of youth.

Some of the major issues relating to sports which will be discussed
include the Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA), use of sport
infrastructure, role of Sports Authority of India and draft schemes for
promotion of sports and games in schools, colleges and universities,
sports and games for disabled and National Physical Fitness Programme
(NPFP). (ANI)