Bengaluru: The first-ever Sports Policy, emphasising on nurturing sportspersons who can excel at National and International levels, was announced by the State Government yesterday.

Giving details of the Policy at a press meet here, Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister Pramod Madhwaraj said: “The Cabinet gave its approval for the Policy on Mar.8. The Policy will come into force immediately. Separate funds will be earmarked in the next Budget for implementing the Policy.”

The Policy proposes at least one “active and well-endowed” community sports centre in all the towns. Every district centre will have one multi-sports coaching centre, swimming pool of Olympic standards with trained coaches.

Centres of Sporting Excellence offering world-class training facilities will be set up in the State. The Policy also talks of setting up Sports College/ University offering courses on management of professional sports. Pension scheme will be extended to all former National sportspersons who have an annual income below a particular threshold.

The Minister said that sports will be promoted as a tool to raise the confidence and self-esteem of differently-abled. Services of qualified coaches and supporting staff with requisite knowledge will be made available, he said.