New Delhi, May 6 (IANS): The Sports Authority of India (SAI) is all set to appoint 119 coaches on contract basis across the country with an aim to augment the availability of trainers in selected disciplines.

Continuing with its mandate of development and promotion of sports in India, SAI has invited applications from eligible candidates for an initial period of one year.

In February 2014, SAI appointed 172 coaches on regular basis after 19 years and this is the second time it has come up with such mass recruitment drive.

As part of the initiative, coaches will be appointed for two separate zones -- one zone that covers SAI North-Eastern Centres in Imphal and Guwahati which cover Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghlaya, Nagaland and Sikkim, and the other zone for the rest of the country. For the same, 119 coaches will be appointed in 24 disciplines which include boxing, archery, football, wrestling and weightlifting.

"It has always been our aim to train and prepare sportspersons to participate in international competitions and excel in sports and coaching is an important part of the whole process. So this is a step towards strengthening the coaching cadre in the country," SAI Director General Injeti Srinivas said.

SAI is also appointing three coaches for its Special Area Games centre at Port Blair for cycling, canoeing and kayaking, and rowing.