Sports Authority of India

Sports Science Centre (Human Performance Lab)

In 1983, a "Department of Sports Science" was established at "NSNIS Patiala". From 1987 to 1990, "Sports science centres" with "Human Performance Lab" were set up at 4 regional centres in Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Gandhinagar; basic sports science support staff scheme was implemented for National Athletes; and SAI schemes for children was introduced at various regional centres.

Sports scientists from the fields of anthropometry, sports biomechanics, sports nutrition, sport psychology, sports physiology, physiotherapy, and physical education (GTMT) undertake the research work to improve the performance of sportsperson in competitions. SAI has technical and research collaboration with various reputed Indian and foreign sports science and medical institutes. Doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, nutritionists, coaches and experts from these friends are also deployed at SAI academies, regional centres, sports training centres and centre of excellences.[8] SPARRC institute[9] and Indian Institute of Sports Medicine[10] recognized by Indian Government aim to provide non-invasive procedures for sorts injuries with advanced research in sports science.

SAI National Sports Talent Contest Scheme (SAI NSTC) provides the school environment to play and study for talented 8-14 year olds who are at the right age for higher level training in competitive sports. The selection of trainees is done on the basis of performance and potential, and they are admitted to schools on a non-residential basis. The main objectives of the scheme are to: • Identify educational institutions having good sports infrastructure • Scientifically scout for optimum-aged talent • Convert the genetically and physiologically gifted children into future champions • Ensure availability of trained coaches • Ensure financial assistance for consumables • Provide adequate competition exposure and sports equipment to sports institutes and Akharas to create a broader base for modern wrestling

The disciplines covered under SAI NSTC are

• 14 Regular schools with 11 disciplines namely Athletics, Basketball, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, Swimming, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Wrestling.
• 10 Indigenous Games & Martial Arts (IGMA) with 9 disciplines, namely, Archery, Kabaddi, Kalaripayatu, Mukna, Thang-Ta, Silambam, Khomlainai, Malkhamb & Gatka.
• Akharas for wrestling

SAI Army Boys Sports Company (SAI ABSC) is a scheme run in collaboration with the Indian Army to nurture and groom talented boys in the age group of 8 to 14 years. These companies act as virtual sports schools where training is scientifically backed up and support facility is provided throughout the training period. The trainees are entitled to an assured career in the Armed Forces at 17½ years. The selection of trainees is done on the basis of performance and potential assessed through a battery of tests. Objectives of this scheme include:

• Nurturing budding talent
• Improving the achievements tally in international sports competitions
• Using the Army's excellent infrastructure and disciplined administrative environment

"SAI National Swimming Academy" (SAINSA) at SPM Swimming Pool Complex in Delhi.

SAI Training Centre Scheme (SAI STC) was created in 1995 by merging "Sports Project Development Area Centres" (SPDA) and "Sports Hostel Scheme". It is run collaboration with the State Government and Union Territory Administrations. The trainees are admitted into the scheme on residential and non-residential basis where they are funded by the government. The main objectives of the scheme are to:

• Train talented young sportspersons aged 12–18 years (Sub-Junior/Junior)
• Identify those who have attained advanced levels of proficiency in sports.
• Identify those who show natural potential in the Olympic disciplines, indigenous and other sports.
• Provide in-house coaching, training and nutritional support to sportspersons.

SAI Special Area Games (SAI SAG) are similar to STC, except that the focus of the SAG Centres is on popular indigenous sports of India bu spotting and nurturing talent in specific disciplines in tribal, coastal and hilly areas, to grooms them to achieve excellence in the related modern competitive games and sports. The SAG Centres are fully funded by SAI, and land is to be provided by the respective State Governments or other institutions such as universities and schools. "Special Area Games" (SAG) are located at (clockwise from north):[4]

SAI Extension Centres of STCs/SAG (SAI ESTC/ESAG) scheme commenced in 2005 to develop sports in schools, colleges and universities having commendable sporting performance and adequate infrastructure. The Extension Centres are monitored by the nearest STC or SAG and Regional Centre Head for their adherence to SAI regulations. Authority to approve these Extension Centres lies with the Director general of SAI.

SAI Centres of Excellence (SAI CoE) identify and train the talented sportspersons in the age group of 12–25 years who have shown promise at the sub-junior, junior and senior National Sports Competitions for 330 days in a year.

"Centre of Excellences" (COE/COX) have a total of nearly 600 trainees in 18 sports (2014 figure), such as archery, athletics, boxing, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, hockey, judo, kabaddi, kayaking and canoeing, rowing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, and wushu.[6]

COE are located at (clockwise from north):[6]

SAI National Cycling Academy (SAINCA) velodrome at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in Delhi

SAI Come and Play Scheme (SAI CPS) serves the purpose of talent scouting. Meritorious talent emerging from this scheme forms a pool for induction into regular residential and non-residential sports promotional schemes of STC and SAG.

The scheme was introduced in May 2011 for optimum utilisation of its 5 stadia in Delhi by throwing open the designated areas in the SAI Stadia for community sports. After this scheme received an excellent public response by registering to use the sports facilities in Delhi in disciplines such as Badminton, Boxing, Basketball, Cricket, Cycling, Football, Hockey, Gymnastics, Judo, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling, SAI then extended this scheme to all centres of SAI across India to encourage the youth in the local areas to use sports facilities available at these centres. SAI participated in 2015-16 Calcutta Premier League with a team named SAI Darjeeling.