Siliguri, March 14: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has decided to select 30 young players and train them in football, kabaddi and track-and-field.

The players, belonging to the 14-21 age group and of extraordinary merit, will be selected from all over north Bengal.

They will be recruited under two schemes — non-residential (for those from Siliguri) and residential (for those from other districts of north Bengal). The sportspersons will then be trained in respective games under the tutelage of the experts of SAI training centre, Kanchenjunga stadium.

Besides training, players under the residential scheme will be provided with a host of facilities like free food, lodging and sports-kit, insurance, medical benefits and free education by SAI. In the non-residential category, the players will be given Rs 500 each month as stipend, and free sport-kits.

This year, SAI has taken special care to see that the selected players do not leave the training centre mid-way as it causes a loss of resources.

“Since we do not extend the scheme to job-holders, most of the players quit once they get jobs. This year, we have ousted several players after observing their interest, performance and discipline. As a result, around 30 seats are lying vacant, which we plan to fill up,” said Chandan Kumar Chanda, the in-charge of SAI training centre.

SAI has an infrastructure to train 48 candidates under both its schemes. At present, only 18 seats have been filled up.

Under the residential scheme, seven players will be chosen for football, three for track-and-field and three for kabaddi. In the non-residential category, two players will be selected for football, two for track-and-field and 13 for kabaddi. Girls can apply only for 10 seats in kabaddi under the non-residential scheme. The selection tests will be held on April 6 and 7 at Kanchenjunga stadium.

“We will bring judges from Calcutta for the selection tests. Special measures will be adopted to ascertain the abilities of players right from the beginning so that the resources provided by us are used properly and there are lesser chances of dropouts. It will make little sense to have someone who has abilities but lacks the determination to make it in the long run. Rather, we would like someone with more dedication and determination,” Chanda said.

Around 400 candidates are expected to apply this year.

SAI will also organise a summer camp for schoolchildren in May. Children participating in the meet will be given experts tips on different kinds of sports. “Plans are also on to construct a swimming pool and a multi-gym,” said Chanda.