New Delhi, Oct 26 (IANS): Sports facilities and stadia across the country under the auspices of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) would be made free of cost from November 1.

A SAI order on Friday said that the facilities would be free for national sports federations, clubs and various leagues.

The facilities can be availed for free only for sports events and organisers will have to bear the costs related to electricity etc. They can also be availed for training purposes by athletes and accredited coaches. Coaches can apply for accreditation on SAI's web portal.

The directive came in the wake of Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju announcing his ministry's intention to increase the usage of existing sports infrastructure in the country by three times in the next three months.

"The ministry has at its disposal some of the best sporting infrastructure in the country, which needs to be utilised for the benefit of promoting the sporting culture and ecosystem in the country," Rijiju had said.

"The intention of the ministry is to increase the use of existing sports infrastructure by three times in the next three months. I am sure this step will not only promote fitness, but will also prompt more youngsters to compete in sports and help us identify more talent for the country," he had said.