What is Special Area Games Scheme?

Sports Authority of India Ltd. operates the Special Area Games Scheme (SAG) for scouting natural talent from remote areas, including those from tribal and hilly areas of the country. There are 21 SAG Centres in the country, out of which 4 are in Southern India, 2 each in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, respectively. There are 5 SAI training Centres in Andhra Pradesh, including one in Eluru. The enrolment of SAI trainees is based on performance at district level and state level sports competitions as well as a battery of tests to assess stamina, strength, skill and endurance. The trainees hail from different communities including tribals.