NEW DELHI: In order to promote sporting activities at the grass roots level, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding with UK Sport.
Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said the joint venture would bring in "sports for youth-led national development."
"I am glad that the United Kingdom and India are embarking upon a joint initiative that leverages sports for youth-led national development.
"By virtue of the multiple benefits that sports generate in the areas of education, public health, social inclusiveness, cultural identity and recreation, this initiative is strategically placed to achieve this objective," he said.
This agreement was sealed by British High Commissioner to India, Richard Stagg, and Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, S K Arora.
Arora said the partnership would complement the Panchayat Yuva Krida aur Khel Abhiyan, being mooted by the Government. "This will also help in spotting and nurturing talented sportspersons to achieve excellence. The MoU with UK Sports will help to refine the modalities on a pilot scale, which could then be extended to other areas," he said.
The agreement brings together national and international experts in the fields of development, physical education, sports development and sporting excellence to provide access to quality physical education and sports at community level
and ensure development of elite athletes.
The partnership offers both parties an opportunity to share best practice methods and expertise, while allowing those involved in sport in the UK to keep up to date with the
latest international developments.
