NIS Patiala Launches Special Course for Sports Quota Recruits

New Delhi, Sep 10 (PTI): Sports quota recruits working across various government departments will soon have the opportunity to enroll in a flexible two-year Special Capacity Building Course at Patiala's Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports. This course is designed to equip them with "professional coaching competencies." The program is set to begin on October 27, with September 25 being the deadline for application submissions. The initiative is led by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who aims to ensure that Indian athletes stay actively involved in the nation’s sporting landscape even after their competitive careers conclude. According to a note from the sports ministry, upon completing all four levels, participants will receive a Diploma-equivalent Certification in Sports Coaching. The course offers flexibility tailored for working professionals, allowing completion within two years. It will cover disciplines such as Athletics, Boxing, Judo, Hockey, and Wrestling. While the NIS offers an esteemed diploma in coaching over 26 disciplines, this course specifically targets athletes employed in government sectors who may have lost touch with sports. The main distinction lies in its flexibility. This course can be completed in four levels over two to four years, with an exit option available after each level. SAI's Deputy Director, Sibananda Mishra, noted that the mandatory offline training at NIS would require six weeks at a stretch. "Professionals often can't afford a year off work for a coaching course, so this program provides a longer completion window," he explained. To encourage participation, the course is also open to individuals up to the age of 40-42. Many international medalists are employed by government bodies like the Railways, Police Services, and Public Sector Undertakings such as ONGC and the Steel Authority of India, which aim to honor and leverage their athletic contributions. Besides sports quota recruits, the course is also available to former athletes seeking professional sports re-engagement, government employees managing sports, and those transitioning into coaching, talent development, or sports administration. The program is strategically curated to furnish participants with coaching skills, empowering them to significantly contribute to the sports ecosystem, as stated by the sports ministry. The focus lies on establishing a solid foundation in coaching science, pedagogy, and sports administration. This comprehensive course entails 45 hours of practical field training at Khelo India Centres, SAI Training Centres, or other sanctioned academies. The fee is set at Rs 14,800 per level, excluding boarding and lodging costs.

(Only the headline of this report may have been reworked by Editorji; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)