New Delhi: Government of India through Sports Authority of India (SAI), is implementing Special Area Games (SAG) Scheme to identify sporting talent in the age of 10-18 years from the tribal, backward and hilly areas of the country. The scheme also helps to tap talent in Indigenous Games and Martial Arts and from the communities which are either genetically or geographically advantageous for excellence in a particular sports discipline. The selected trainees under SAG Scheme are provided with financial support in the form of expert coaches, sports equipment, boarding and lodging, sports kit, competition exposure, educational expenses, medical/ insurance and stipend as per the approved scheme norms. Presently, there are 20 Special Area Games Centres functional in the country where 2167 talented sports persons (1189 boys and 978 girls) are being trained.
The number of medals won by SAG Scheme trainees during the last three years at National and International sports competitions are as under: –
| Year | National | International |
| 2014-15 | 291 | 22 |
| 2015-16 | 276 | 23 |
| 2016-17 | 232 | 34 |
In 2014-2015, Rs.57.20 crores were allocated for implementation of all the SAI Sports Promotional Schemes including the scheme of Special Area Games. The details of fund allocation for implementation of SAG Scheme since 2014-15 to 2018-19 is as under:
| Year | Amount |
| 2014-2015 | Rs.11.50 Crores |
| 2015-2016 | Rs.13.00 Crores |
| 2016-2017 | Rs.12.75 Crores |
| 2017-2018 | Rs.14.95 Crores |
| 2018-2019 | Rs. 16.44 Crores (projected) |
This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Col. RajyavardhanRathore in reply to a written Question by Shri K.C.Ramamurthyin Rajya Sabha today.
