THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The training for the first batch of master trainers of ‘Panchayat yuva krida aur khel abhiyan’ (PYKKA) is on at Lakshmibai National College for Physical Education (LNCPE), Kariavattom, here.
The programme, seen as the first stride towards development of sports and games at the grassroots-level, is being organised to mould master trainers in various disciplines of sports and games in the country.
The PYKKA training camp is being organised for the first time in south India. Thirty-one master trainers are currently undergoing the training at LNCPE. The focal point of the programme is to provide basic information on various sports events. In addition to this, basic skills and rules pertaining to games are also being taught.
“The trainees have to go through training in two games, at least, in addition to their mother game. Literally, that means they will be able to impart training in three items. Besides skill development and rules, the trainees are also taught fundamentals of first aid, sports medicine, holistic development and basic concepts of diet and nutrition. After the 15-day camp, the master trainers will be sent to train local ‘krida srees’ at the panchayat-level,” said Dr Kashi Viswanadh, one of the coordinators of the masters’ training programme.
Senior athletic coach and former SAI trainer Virendra Kumar Shori appreciated the efforts taken by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to disseminate the idea of recognising and refining talents from rural areas.
“The PYKKA master trainers are taught the fundamentals of techniques. The training is broken into parts. They are taught what to do and what not to. Then, after the short training, they are told to train the local trainers. This helps them to provide free flow of flawless training module to the masses. If the procedure goes on like this, we could develop a sizeable reserves’ list for the Olympics.
‘’The USSR, before its disintegration, had done this. India certainly has no dearth of raw talent. Long exposure to training with developmental approach is a must. PYKKA is a one good step. But wave-like efforts should follow,” he said. Presently, 10 master trainers from Assam, 12 from Gujarat and 9 from Kerala are undergoing training at LNCPE. The training for the first batch will conclude on March 15.