4.1 Will provide the necessary support to NSF for the identification, training and coaching of sportspersons, including provision of infrastructure, equipment and such other assistance as may be agreed to under the LTDPs (a) Priority : In this category such Sports can be listed which are included in Olympic Commonwealth and Asian Games or such other sports for which internationally recognized tournaments are held in which at least twenty (20) countries participate, subject to the fulfillment of the following conditions: i. Sports which the current standards are at or close to international competitive levels; and ii. Where the teams or individuals are likely to win medals in future. (b) General Category: Sports, which are included in Olympic, Commonwealth and Asian Games, and where there is a proven aptitude but not yet close to international competitive levels. (c) Others Category: In this category such Sports can be listed which are not covered under above-mentioned Priority and General Categories. Provided that, the assistance may be provided to physically and mentally handicapped sports persons who possess the standard equal to or close to the international standards prevalent in the recognized tournaments in that sports through the concerned National Sports Federation and not to any individual directly. Provided further that the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) dealing with the promotion and organization of multi-disciplinary sports at school level, may be assisted for such multi-disciplinary sports at the scales prescribed for the junior and sub-junior teams in terms of provisions contained in Paras 8.3.2 and 8.3.3 of the Scheme. 4.2 The Long Term development Plan (LTDP) should be for a period of four years and categorization once done shall be valid for one LTDP period. The categorization can be subject to review depending on the change in the performance indicator of the teams/individuals in national/international tournaments in respect of specific sport. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports shall issue suitable guidelines and set procedure for categorization of various sports to ensure objectivity and transparency.
