The Athletics Federation of India "is mulling on launching ambitious big prize money franchised-based league, which will have Olympic and world champions." Though the finer details are yet to be finalized, the proposed IAL "will be a franchised-based competition on the lines of Indian Premier League and Indian Badminton League." It will "also have some similarities with the prestigious 14-leg Diamond League Series organised by the world governing body IAAF each year" (PTI, 1/7). ... Jiu-jitsu clubs and training centers "are to open" across the UAE and sponsorship "will be offered to talented competitors." Sponsorship "will be provided by public and private entities, companies and institutions" (THE NATIONAL, 1/7). ... With an aim to "tap sporting talents" at a young age, the government is planning to set up 75 sports schools across the country. The budget for the project is around Rs 2,200 crore ($335M). As per the plan, during the pilot stage, "there will be one or two sports schools in each State and Union Territory and the scheme will be implemented over a period of three years" (PTI, 1/6).
