New Delhi/Raipur Oct 16 (IANS): The Chhattisgarh Hockey Academy has got approval from the Sports Authority of India (SAI), officials said pn Friday.

Under the Khelo India Yojana of the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, a proposal for a residential hockey academy in Raipur and a centre of excellence in Bilaspur for athletics, wrestling and swimming was sent to the Sports Authority of India. The proposal has been approved by the authority.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said, "Chhattisgarh is committed to nurture the sporting talent in the state by arranging for the required training facilities."

The Chhattisgarh Hockey Academy is being established in Raipur, where residential facility would be provided to both male and female trainees. Two well-equipped international hockey stadia have already been constructed in Raipur.

Earlier, the Sports and Youth Welfare Department had sent a proposal for archery to the Sports Authority of India, which was also approved. Presently, sportspersons are being provided archery training in Raipur. Archery is being promoted in Raipur under the 'One State One Game' policy.

The state government has constituted the Chhattisgarh Sports Development Authority for maintenance of sports infrastructure and for operating residential sports academies in the state.