Sportsman's Hermitage Scheme for retired sportspersons

Pune, May 28 (UNI) The Pune International Marathon Trust (PIMT) has proposed setting up of a unique 'Sportsman's Hermitage Scheme' under the aegis of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in the city.

The scheme envisages not only to care for retired former Olympians, international sportspersons but also to extend help to them to lead a decent life.

The PIMT, headed city MP Suresh Kalmadi, who is also the president of the (IOA) has taken the initiative to come to the aid of those uncared for heroes.

The beginning was made during the hosting of the third leg of the Asian Grand Prix meeting held in Pune on May 26 when Maharashtra Governor S M Krishna presented a cheque of rupees five lakh to Mr Kalmadi .

The ambitious Rs four crore project to come up on a six acre land given by the Maharashtra government, Vadgaon ''Daheri'' a sprawling suburb will house the most modern facilities and infra-structure, PIMT organising secretary Pralhad Sawant told reporters here today.

Mr Sawant, who is also the joint secretary of the Athletic Federation of India (AFI) said that the scheme will serve dual purpose, for it will also have a most modern coaching centre for the juniors to be trained all round the year.

''Our main aim behind the scheme is to involve former champions to train and guide junior athletes in their choice of disciplines and be occupied full time, and at the same time better their lot,'' he said.

The facility will also have full fledged athletic track, a swimming pool, table tennis hall, medical centre, gymnasium and sports and video library.

The project to be completed in a phased manner will house 200 sportspersons besides the coaches. Initially provision will be made to cater to 50 junior athletes at the coaching canter, Mr Sawant informed. Since the land has been made available by the state government, the work will commence very soon.

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