Come and Play
In 2011, the Government of India launched the ‘Come and Play’ scheme. Simply put, it means that the various stadiums and sporting facilities across the country maintained by the Sports Authorities of India (SAI) are now open to the public, especially children. The facilities can be used at nominal charges and are given at a further discount to children from government schools and free to people from below the poverty line. “It is a simple scheme. The forms are available at the SAI website. Whosoever wants to use, can avail it at a nominal fee. For BPL families, it is free. One has to submit the form at the SAI centres," Ajay Maken the then sports minister had said.
The scheme was first launched across stadiums built and revamped in New Delhi for the Commonwealth Games in 2010 after which various regional centres also began operating. Most centres offer facilities in sports like football, badminton, volleyball, etc. while some have training for sports like gymnastics, taekwondo, fencing, etc. The ‘Come and Play’ scheme also envisages holding competitions for various groups to encourage more participation. For more details, click here.
If you want to know about SAI stadiums near you and facilities they offer, click here.