National Sports Talent Contest (NSTC)
 

Started in 1985, this scheme attempts to identify talented school children in the age group of 9 to 12 years. Children are selected in 10 Olympic disciplines, viz. Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Boxing, Football, Gymnastics, Hockey, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Wrestling through a series of tests and contests held at various levels.

Following selection, these children are admitted in SAI adopted schools (of which there are 58 at present) where their board, lodging and tuition fees are met by SAI. SAI also provides coaches and special infrastructure facilities to these schools, along with recurring grants for maintenance and equipment.