Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur launches Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) programme in Chandigarh The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur, inaugurated the Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) pro- gram at Chandigarh’s Sector 7 sports complex.
The initiative, aimed at school children aged 9 to 18, seeks to revolutionize talent scouting across the nation. KIRTI, set to evaluate 50,000 applicants in its initial phase across 50 centers nationwide, covers ten sports disciplines, including Hockey, Athletics, Boxing, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Kho-Kho, Kabbadi, Archery, and Football. In Chandigarh, assessment tests will be conducted for seven sports disciplines initially. The program’s unique feature is its athlete-centric approach and transparent selection process, facilitated by cutting-edge Information Technology.
Leveraging data analytics and Artificial Intelligence, KIRTI aims to predict and harness the sporting potential of aspiring athletes efficiently. Addressing the gathering, Thakur emphasized the strategic collaboration required with National Sports Federations and state governments. He highlighted the government’s substantial investment in infrastructure and the establishment of over 1000 Khelo India Centres nationwide to support aspiring athletes.
Thakur emphasized the importance of starting early in sports, stating that athletes need at least 10 years of preparation to win an Olympic medal. He urged every child to register through the MyBharat portal and assured efforts to provide opportunities through KIRTI. Member of Parliament Kirron Kher expressed optimism about bridging the gap between dreams and reality for young athletes. She emphasized the significance of providing a clear pathway for every child aspiring to excel in sports. Adviser to the Administrator Rajeev Verma thanked the Union Minister for selecting Chandigarh as the launch site for KIRTI. He reiterated Chandigarh Administration’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence.