Analyzing Statements on Sports Schemes and Funds

Let's carefully examine each statement provided regarding the Special Area Game Scheme and the National Sports Development Fund to determine their correctness.

• (a) The age limit of special area game scheme is 12 - 18 years.
  The Special Area Game Scheme (SAGS) is designed to identify and nurture talented children from rural, tribal, and coastal areas. The typical age range for talent identification and training programs under such schemes in India is often targeted at young individuals, commonly within the 12-18 years bracket to provide them with long-term training and development. This statement is considered correct.
• (b) Special area game scheme includes 30 disciplines.
  While SAGS aims to promote various sports, the exact number of disciplines included can vary over time and across different centres based on regional potential and infrastructure availability. Stating a fixed number like 30 disciplines might not always be accurate or consistently true for all SAGS operations. This statement is considered incorrect.
• (c) National Sports Development Fund was established in 1998.
  The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) was indeed established by the Central Government of India. Official records confirm that the NSDF was set up in the year 1998 under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890. This fund is used for the promotion of sports and games in the country. This statement is considered correct.
• (d) National Sport Development Fund was established in 2000.
  As confirmed by official records, the National Sports Development Fund was established in 1998, not 2000. Therefore, this statement contradicts the correct establishment year. This statement is considered incorrect.

Based on the analysis:

• Statement (a) is correct.
• Statement (b) is incorrect.
• Statement (c) is correct.
• Statement (d) is incorrect.

We are looking for the combination of correct statements. The correct statements are (a) and (c).

Summary of Correct Statements

The statements found to be correct are:

• (a) The age limit of special area game scheme is 12 - 18 years.
• (c) National Sports Development Fund was established in 1998.

Therefore, the option that includes only statements (a) and (c) is the correct choice.

Additional Information on Sports Development in India

Special Area Game Scheme (SAGS): This scheme, primarily run by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), was initiated to identify and nurture talent from regions with high potential in specific sports, such as tribal belts, coastal areas, and hilly regions. The focus was on identifying children with inherent physical and physiological advantages suited for particular sports and providing them with specialized training.

National Sports Development Fund (NSDF): Established in 1998, the NSDF is a mechanism for channelizing funds for sports development from government, corporate houses, individuals, and other sources. It operates under the Charitable Endowments Act, 1890. The funds are utilized for various purposes, including assisting sportspersons, developing sports infrastructure, promoting sports sciences, and supporting national sports federations.