The state of grooming sporting talent in India can be guaged from the fact that around 500 posts of coaches at various training institutes run by the Sports Authority of India are lying vacant.

Replying to questions in the Rajya Sabha, Sports Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar also said the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan was also running short of 165 youth co-ordinators.

Regarding the shortfall in coaches at SAI institutes, Aiyar informed that it had been allowed to hire coaches on contract basis. “Based on a report submitted by the Staff Inspection Unit (SIU) in July 1998 recommending large scale reduction in the sanctioned strength of SAI, including coaches, the ministry made it incumbent on SAI to seek prior approval of the government before the creation of any post.