Raipur, Jan 9 (IANS) The central government has approved setting up of a sports academy in Chhattisgarh, Sports Minister Ajay Maken said Monday.

‘The central government has approved setting up a sports academy in the state and I have asked the state government to provide 50 acre land for it,’ Maken told newsmen at the state Congress headquarters here.

Work for the academy would begin once the land is provided, he added.

‘There is no dearth of sports talents in Chhattisgarh. The boys and girls of this state can win medals for the country at international events if they are backed by proper infrastructure and coaching facilities,’ Maken said.