Women, infrastructure key focus points for Railway Sports Promotion Board

Indian Railways has been crucial for providing financial security to sportspersons, specially women, and it has been a conscious decision on its part.
'I think it's a combination of being a good fit for women athletes and a conscious decision on our part. The working conditions with Railways is conducive for women which makes it the first choice for most – they get a place of posting closer home, access to facilities and, post active sports, can easily fit into the system.
'But we also consciously look into encouraging and employing women because honestly, the probability of women getting medals is higher. If they are provided with better support and ecosystem, we believe they can achieve big results quicker than men,' RSPB secretary Prem Chand Lochab told Sportstar.
Sports like hockey, cricket and basketball among others have an almost monopoly by Railways among women but jobs alone are not sufficient, Lochab admitted, adding there was a massive push to improve sports infrastructure.
'We are creating a state-of-the-art wrestling academy in Kishanganj in Delhi at approximately 35 crores. It will be residential with space for more than 100 men and women trainees and should be operational soon. We have modern facilities in Behala, Kapurthala, Patiala, Rai Bareli, Chennai, there is a new one coming up in Jaipur,' he said.
Asked about funding, he explained about the Sports Development Fund. 'It's a unique model among government departments. A certain amount in every project sanctioned will be earmarked for sports development, funds from which are used to constantly improve and enhance our facilities,' Lochab explained.
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