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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between International Association of Athletics Federation's (IAAF) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Tuesday to set up a 'Centre of Excellence' at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi.
Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) stadium will be developed as a 'High Performance Academy' with the aim to provide excellent coaching, integrated support service and professional atmosphere to track and field athletes for international championships. The academy will mainly stress on tournaments such as the IAAF Youth & Junior World championships, Youth Olympics Games and 2020 and 2024 Olympics.
"We have discussed a lot of issues on development of athletics in India. We have also decided to work together with SAI and IAAF and the AFI to try and set up a Centre of Excellence in Delhi at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. We have signed a letter of intent for that," AFI President Adille Sumariwalla said.
Director General SAI Injeti Srinivas said that it would take three months for the academy to become operational.
"As mentioned by the AFI president today morning we have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the IAAF where we intent to set up a Centre of Excellence for athletics in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with residential facility and IAAF has very kindly agreed to provide technical support particularly in the coaching department," he said.
Cloe from the very first day of his India visit has stressed upon the importance of world class training facilities for Indian athletes to be successful In major international events.
"India will be playing a very central role in the development of athletics in the years to come. It's important for the IAAF to develop India both nationally and internationally by providing the right kind of infrastructure to talented athletes and, most importantly, put in place a good coaching system. My primary discussion with the AFI and SAI officials revolved around importance of coaching because the coaches' education programme is very important," Coe said after signing the agreement on Tuesday.
There have been a lot of talks in recent years regarding the unavailability of world class training facilities in India for the athletes. Lack of quality home-grown coaches, sports physiologists and poor training infrastructure has been a major problem faced by the Indian athletes.
Stressing on the importance of more track and field infrastructure in schools , the IAAF President said that, ““One of the most important ingredient is strong presence and quality of track and field in schools. In Jamaica and Kenya, there is a vibrant presence of track and field in schools. India can do the same to be successful in international events."
