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Ex-Athletes Launch ASAIC to Mentor & Fund India's Next Sporting Stars

Former athletes from the SAI Sports Training Centre in Calicut have formed the ASAIC alumni association to support emerging sportspersons. The association provides modern equipment, financial assistance, and professional guidance, particularly to those from resource-limited backgrounds. It has already distributed sports equipment worth nearly ₹20 lakh to various schools and academies over two years. The recent launch of its official website aims to enhance outreach and transparency in its mission to uplift future generations of Indian athletes.

Key Points: Former SAI-STC Calicut Athletes Form ASAIC to Support Sportspersons

  • Provides modern equipment & financial aid
  • Launches official website for transparency
  • Has distributed ₹20 lakh in equipment
  • Supports injured athletes & scholarships
2 min read

From Alumni to mentors: Former SAI-STC Calicut athletes join hands to support future champions

Alumni of SAI-STC Calicut launch ASAIC, providing equipment, scholarships & guidance to nurture future Indian champions from limited backgrounds.

"These initiatives have been made possible through the personal contributions of the former athletes from their hard-earned income - SAI Release"

New Delhi, January 6

Former athletes of the Sports Authority of India Sports Training Centre, Calicut, Kerala, have united to establish ASAIC to support and nurture emerging sportspersons.

The ASAIC aims to provide modern sports equipment, high-quality sports gear and apparel, financial assistance, and professional guidance to promising sportspersons, particularly those from institutions and backgrounds with limited resources, according to a SAI release.

In a key milestone, ASAIC has launched its official website, designed to enhance outreach, ensure transparency, and deepen engagement with athletes, institutions, and other stakeholders across the sports ecosystem.

While formally launching the ASAIC website, Hari Ranjan Rao, Director General, SAI, underscored the institution's commitment to excellence and the high standards of training at SAI-STC Calicut.

He highlighted the centre's impressive track record, noting that it has produced an Arjuna Awardee, two Olympians, and forty-six athletes who have represented India in various international competitions across different categories.

Over the past two years, the ASAIC has distributed sports equipment worth nearly ₹20 lakh to around 30 schools, clubs, and academies. The association has also extended scholarship support to a national-level athlete and provided financial assistance to injured sportspersons.

"These initiatives have been made possible through the personal contributions of the former athletes from their hard-earned income, along with support from like-minded individuals and organisations," he added.

The launch of the website marks another step forward in strengthening the alumni-led movement to uplift future generations of Indian sportspersons.

In addition, the alumni body has extended scholarship support to a national-level athlete and provided financial assistance to injured sportspersons not covered by medical insurance schemes, ensuring continuity of their sporting careers.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful news! The support for injured athletes not covered by insurance is crucial. So many careers end prematurely due to lack of funds for recovery. Hats off to the alumni for thinking of this. More power to ASAIC!
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Vikram M
Calicut STC has a fantastic legacy – 1 Arjuna, 2 Olympians, 46 internationals! This alumni network can be a game-changer for kids from small towns in Kerala and beyond. The mentorship will be even more valuable than the equipment.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows sports development, transparency is key. Launching a website for outreach and accountability is a smart, modern move. Hope they post regular updates on fund utilization and athlete progress.
R
Rohit P
Great effort, but a word of caution. I hope the focus remains on athletes from truly limited backgrounds and isn't diluted. Sometimes these associations become old boys' clubs. The website should clearly show selection criteria.
K
Kavya N
Personal contributions from hard-earned income... that's heartwarming. It shows real passion. This is how we build a sporting culture from the ground up, not just waiting for government schemes. Best of luck to them! 🙏

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