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About Directorate

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      The Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA) of the Government of Kerala remains the key institution driving the growth of sports and young talent in the state. Established in 1986, DSYA continues to lead the sports movement in Kerala by focusing on high-quality infrastructure, innovative training, and youth development.

Vision & Mission

      DSYA’s mission goes beyond just organizing events — it aims to make “Sports for All” a reality by creating strong grassroots programmes, promoting physical fitness, and nurturing athletes to world-class standards. It emphasizes not only competitive excellence but also the societal role of sports in fostering healthy and drug-free communities.

Key Initiatives & Programmes

Anti-Drug Campaign – “Kick Drugs, Say Yes to Sports”

In 2025, the Sports Department launched a statewide awareness campaign against drug use, involving a tour across all 14 districts.

The campaign integrates mass participation via mini-marathons, walkathons, cyclothons, and involves pledges, renovation of playgrounds, and distribution of sports equipment.

Youth Training & Talent Development

The Goal Project aims to train 500,000 children in football over five years; in its first phase, 100,000 children have already benefited.

Specialized sports academies under DSYA include a shooting academy at Vattiyoorkavu, a tennis academy at Kumarapuram.

Sports selection camps for sports schools are ongoing, with DSYA conducting trials and assessments.

A summer camp (April–May) organized by Sports Kerala Foundation (under DSYA) offers training in a wide range of disciplines (swimming, judo, tennis, etc.) for youth aged 5–18. Sports Kerala Summer Camp.

Infrastructure Development

DSYA continues to push for modern infrastructure: under its “One Panchayat, One Playground" scheme, new playgrounds and stadiums are being built in rural areas.

A Public Sector Company, Sports Kerala Foundation (SKF), has been incorporated (since August 2021) to professionally manage the construction, maintenance, and operations of sports infrastructure across the state.

Sports Medicine & Science

DSYA operates a sports injury management and rehabilitation facility at the Jimmy George Sports Hub, offering dedicated care, physiotherapy, and altitude-stimulated training (ASTRA) to elite athletes.

  • 01
    Anti-Drug Campaign – “Kick Drugs, Say Yes to Sports”
  • 02
    Youth Training & Talent Development
  • 03
    Infrastructure Development
  • 04
    Sports Medicine & Science

Achievements & Impact

   Through its various youth programmes and summer camps, DSYA has created inclusive pathways for children aged 5–18 to get involved in structured sports training.


   It has strengthened sports infrastructure not just in urban centres but also in rural panchayats, thereby democratizing access.


   The anti-drug campaign reflects DSYA’s commitment to social development through sports, using athletic events to foster a healthy and drug-free culture

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Kerala State Sports Council (KSSC)

The Kerala State Sports Council (KSSC) is the statutory body responsible for promoting, developing, and regulating sports in Kerala. Originally established in 1954 under the Charitable Societies Registration Act and later reconstituted under the Kerala Sports Act, 2000, the Council oversees a wide network of sports academies, hostels, and training centres across the state, including district, college, and school sports academies. Founded under the leadership of G. V. Raja, the Council continues to play a vital role in nurturing grassroots talent and elite. The current President of the Council is Shri U. Sharaf Ali.