New Delhi, April 20 (IANS): The Sports Authority of India (SAI) on Monday offered to sponsor a one-year diploma course in coaching at the National Institute of Sports (NIS) for financially-challenged national level boxer Mrunal Bhosale.

Pune-based Bhosale drives a goods carrier for a living. His plight was highlighted by a media report recently.

"SAI would be happy to sponsor him for a one year coaching diploma at NIS Patiala or its Bangalore branch if he is interested. After he passes the course he can apply to become a SAI coach. We will be very happy to support him," Injeti Srinivas, SAI director general, said in a release.

Bhosale (28) won a bronze medal in the 64 kilogram category at the National Championship in Nagpur in January this year.

But his troubled economic condition has affected his training and career prospects since the event.

Srinivas said that the offer was not made out of sympathy but based on professional consideration and merit. He added that Bhosale has the potential to be a good coach.