Feb 5, 2011: Government observer for hockey, Dilip Tirkey has been included in a new committee formed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, to work out a plan for the utilization of sporting infrastructure created for the Commonwealth Games.

The Sports Ministry has constituted a committee of renowned Indian sportspersons to suggest the ways for best utilization of sporting infrastructure created by the Sports Authority of India(SAI) for the Commonwealth Games. This was disclosed by Shri Ajay Maken, Sports Minister, while briefing the media persons after taking round of five Stadia of SAI, here in Delhi today morning.

Disclosing the composition of the Committee, Shri Maken said “the Committee consisting of renowned sports persons and veteran sports journalist has been asked to suggest, how best we can utilize the existing sporting infrastructure .”

He further informed that the Committee will be chaired by Sports Secretary and comprise of P.T.Usha, Bhaichung Bhutia, MC Marykom, Dilip Tirkey and veteran Sports Journalist K. Dutta. It has been asked to give its recommendations within four weeks. The Committee would be holding its first meeting on Monday, Shri Maken added.

Today morning, Maken accompanied with Sports Secretary, Director General,CPWD and senior officers of SAI & CPWD has visited Dr SPM Swimming Complex, National Stadium, IGI Complex, JNL Stadium and Dr Karni Singh Shooting range to see himself the status of maintenance of above sporting infrastructures.

Responding the question of media persons about the utilization of Sports infrastructure, Shri Maken categorically stated that SAI stadiums would be used for following three purpose only,

(a) For running Sports Academies for imparting training to children.

(b) Hosting National & International competitions, for which annual calendar will be prepared
(c) National teams training for London Olympics.

Commenting on the state of maintenance level in the Stadiums, Shri Maken said the Sports Ministry has decided to hand over three stadiums to NDMC for cleaning and scavenging and other two stadiums would be maintained by the SAI. In response to a question regarding training of National Teams for London Olympics, Shri Maken said ‘What we can’t do at the time of CWG, we should do for London Olympics and for this SAI is in active discussions with Sports Federations and with DDA also for teams stay arrangements. Very soon, we will come out with blue print.”