Some PSUs positive on creating jobs for sportspersons: Sarbananda Sonowal

Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Sports Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday said some PSUs have responded positively to the Centre's appeal for creating special provision on employment opportunities for sportspersons.

"On employment opportunities, we have openly appealed to all the corporate houses -- private and public sector -- to come forward and create avenues to accommodate our players. Some PSUs have come forward with a very open mind to support," he said.

Sonowal recalled that the government had during the last National Games requested the business sector to create provision for employment opportunities for athletes.

He was addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the day-long Youth Convention on 'Universal Brotherhood Day' here.

"Sports is a way of life and should all accept this. If every individual and parents start propagating and motivating younger generation and students on this then definitely we could create such an environment through which India can be a number one sporting nation in the world," he said.

On the occasion, the minister cited example of Swami Vivekananda and appealed to the youth to work hard with sensibility, commitment, dedication and devotion.

Sonowal said it is expected that by 2020, population of India would have a median age of 28 years as against 38 years for the US, 42 years for China and as high as 48 years for Japan.

"This 'demographic dividend' offers a great opportunity. Therefore, the challenge before the nation is to develop and empower its huge youth population as productive work force," he said.

On Telangana government's offer to host the Youth Festival 2017 in the state, Sonowal said, "We will definitely look into that matter."

Regarding request for laying of athletic track in Warangal district, the ministry will look into the matter.

Union Minister for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya also addressed the gathering.