Ahmedabad Municipal School Board Proposes Rs 10 Crore for Student Olympic Training Ahead of 2036 Games
With India's ambitious bid to host the Olympic Games in 2036 in Ahmedabad, the Ahmedabad Municipal School Board has taken a significant step toward nurturing future athletes. In its draft budget of Rs 1,200 crore for the financial year 2026-27, the board has proposed an allocation of Rs 10 crore specifically for preparing students under the 'Readiness Programme for Sports'. This initiative aims to identify and train talented young athletes from municipal schools, aligning with the city's Olympic aspirations.
Comprehensive Training and Selection Process
The selected students will undergo rigorous training in various sports at multiple facilities across Ahmedabad, including the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Naranpura, the Memco Sports Complex, and the Vastral Sports Complex. According to AMC School Board Administrative Officer L D Desai, the program will initially focus on around 60 students in upper primary classes who have already achieved recognition at state and national levels in individual and group sports.
Desai elaborated on the selection mechanism, stating: "Along with these pre-identified achievers, additional students will be selected through a dedicated nine-step screening process conducted by the District Sports Officer. The shortlisted candidates will then receive specialized training at AMC facilities."
Budget Allocation and Student Development Focus
The draft budget outlines that the best performers from municipal schools will be identified through platforms like Khel Mahakumbh and other competitions organized by the school board and various sports associations. These students will be provided with necessary sports equipment to support their training. Out of the total Rs 1,200 crore budget, 87.03% (Rs 1,044.32 crore) is earmarked for salaries and pensions, while 10.72% (Rs 128.69 crore) is allocated for student development, educational activities, and teacher-related initiatives. Another 2.25% (Rs 26.99 crore) is designated for school and infrastructure facilities.
Expanding the Olympic Preparation Roadmap
Desai revealed that a comprehensive roadmap will be developed for approximately 60,000 students enrolled in Classes VI to VIII, out of the total 1.72 lakh students from Class I to VIII in municipal schools. To facilitate this expansion, the board plans to hire additional faculty members on a contractual basis, supplementing the existing 73 khel sahayak (sports teachers).
Currently, 1,72,576 students are enrolled across four mediums in 453 municipal schools under the AMC, supported by a staff of 4,586 head teachers and teachers. Additionally, 1,35,857 students study in 204 smart schools, and 186 students are enrolled in 14 signal schools.
Additional Initiatives and Approvals
The draft budget, after incorporating additions by School Board chairman Sujay Mehta, will be presented for approval in the AMC's general board meeting. In line with the centenary celebrations of the Ahmedabad Municipal School Board, the 'Centenary Scholarship Scheme' will honor 100 unique schools of the century and 100 star teachers of the century with a fund of Rs 10 crore. Furthermore, the draft proposes the establishment of 34 new schools based on demand, underscoring the board's commitment to educational infrastructure development alongside sports excellence.
This strategic investment in student sports training not only highlights Ahmedabad's preparation for the potential 2036 Olympics but also emphasizes the municipal authority's dedication to holistic student development through sports and education integration.
