17 disciplines for CWG 2010

New Delhi, Dec 13 (UNI) Athletes from 17 disciplines, as against 15 proposed initially, would participate in the Commonwealth Games to be held here in 2010, Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mani Shakar Aiyer said.

Chairing the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports last evening, Mr Aiyer said Tennis and Archery had been included besides Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, net Ball, Rugby seven's, Shooting, Squash, Table-Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

The minister also debriefed the committee on the infrastructure being put in place for the games.

He said the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has considered proposals of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in respect of the budget of the Organising Committee (OC) for conduct of the Games, and SAI for development of venue infrastructure.

The EFC has recommended a revenue neutral budget of Rs 767 crore, with a flexibility to sanction an escalation of 15 per cent by the Sports Ministry, for the Organising Committee.

The EFC has also agreed to and recommended a budget of Rs 1000 crore to Sports Authority of India with scope of variation upto 10 per cent, he added.

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