SAI NSTC Adopted Akhada Wrestling Scheme
by Sports Authority of India (SAI)
Stipend, kit, coaching for young wrestlers
SAI scheme that adopts traditional wrestling akhadas to nurture young wrestlers aged 8 to 14 with stipend, kit, equipment, coaching, and competition exposure.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Long-term training over multiple years, with a monthly stipend paid for ten months each year and continuation subject to annual performance review.
Eligibility
Children aged 8 to 14 years with interest or aptitude in wrestling. Preference to medal winners at district level or participants at state level competitions, subject to medical and physical fitness assessment.
- Age range
- 8 to 14 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Prerequisites
- Medical fitness clearance
- Physical fitness assessment by SAI battery of tests
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹1,000 monthly stipend
Monthly stipend of ₹1,000 paid to each trainee under the adopted akhada.
Recognition
SAI national talent pathway
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Dates
- 1 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2026
SAI-adopted akhadas (nationwide), Nationwide
How to apply
- 1Children join a SAI adopted akhada in their region.
- 2Selection is conducted by a committee of SAI officials, akhada representatives, SAI coaches, and sports scientists through a battery of physical and medical fitness tests.
Rules and guidelines
- Trainees must be in the 8 to 14 years age group
- Continued participation is subject to performance review by SAI
About this opportunity
The Adopted Akhada Wrestling component of the National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC) scheme of the Sports Authority of India supports traditional wrestling akhadas across India to identify and nurture wrestling talent in the 8 to 14 years age group.
Selected akhadas receive wrestling mats and multi-gym equipment, and trainees receive a monthly stipend, an annual sports kit, competition exposure support, accidental insurance cover, and access to experienced SAI coaches and sports science support.
Selection is conducted by a committee comprising SAI officials, akhada representatives, SAI coaches, and sports scientists. Children showing potential, district level medals, or state level participation can be assessed through the prescribed battery of physical and medical fitness tests.
What your child will do
- Daily wrestling training at the adopted akhada
- Strength and conditioning sessions
- Participation in district, state, and national competitions
- Periodic SAI fitness and performance assessments
Mentors and faculty
SAI-empanelled wrestling coaches, akhada gurus, and SAI sports scientists.
Languages
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
Frequently asked questions
Who can join the SAI adopted akhada wrestling scheme?
Children aged 8 to 14 years at induction who show wrestling potential, selected through talent scouting and a battery of fitness and medical tests at a SAI-adopted akhada. There is no direct admission.
What support do selected trainees receive?
Trainees receive coaching from NSNIS-qualified SAI coaches, a monthly stipend for ten months, an annual sports kit, competition exposure support, and accidental insurance cover, all at no cost to the trainee.
Is the training residential?
No. Training is on a non-residential basis at the adopted akhada, so trainees continue their regular schooling while training.
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