Sports Authority of India (SAI), Ranchi chapter, is set to start a non-residential academy for wrestling in a bid to boost the game by picking deserving talents and making them game-ready through free coaching.

Informing this at a news meet on Friday, Ranchi SAI in-charge Vishwanath said a proposal in this regard was first approved by SAI headquarters last year but couldn't materialise owing to some technical issues. But they have now worked out all the modalities to begin a wrestling cradle at the SAI centre in Morabadi as well.

A residential unit for budding players, the SAI centre teaches around half-a-dozen disciplines like hockey, football, volleyball and archery etc.

However, the official said that the wrestling facility would be non-residential.

"We will induct 15 boys and 10 girls for this programme," said the in-charge, adding that the trials for selection of the cadets would take place at Birsa Munda Football Stadium in Morabadi on November 10 and 11.

About the age groups for induction, Vishwanath said they were targeting players between 12 and 16 years of age group. Though, selection criteria may vary.

"No experience and participation in any wrestling meet is required for candidates in the age group of 12-14 years. That means any fresher can walk in. But for the age group between 14 and 16 years, participation in state or national-level meet is must. Those who are above 16 years of age should be national medal winners to be selected for the trails. The total intake of players for the academy will be a mix from these age groups. The more athletes turn up, the better for us to make a healthy selection," he said.

Asked when the cradle was expected to start, the in-charge said anytime in December. "Those who will be selected will get stipend on lines of our residential cradle. They will also be funded for taking part in tournaments. However, the cadets will not get food and lodging facilities," he added.