New Delhi, March 27 (IANS): Society for Transformation, Inclusion and Recognition through Sports (STAIRS) founder and Secretary General Siddhartha Upadhyay was on Monday appointed member of the governing body of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

Sport Minister Vijay Goel met Upadhyay here on Monday to discuss about bringing more transparency in sports ahead of the first meeting of the new governing body to be held on Tuesday. 

The new governing body also includes prominent sporting names such as badminton ace Jwala Gutta, shooter Gagan Narang, athletes Ashwani Nachappa and Shiny Wilson.

Commenting on the appointment, Goel said: "Upadhyay has been recognised for his efforts to build grassroots football and he will be an asset for the ministry. He is now part of the governing council and I am sure that his inputs and ideas will help us structure new policies pertaining to sports." 

Upadhyay has been a recipient of Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar from the President. He also represents the organisation in Steering Committee for FIFA U-17 World Cup, BRICS U-17 Tournament, Mission XI Million Programme and a programme of Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society, formed by the Sports Ministry.

"My mission has been to empower youth to climb ladder of success by enrolling them into sports and education," Upadhyay said. 

"As a member of the governing body of Sports Authority of India, I look forward to contribute towards sports development through a grassroots approach while broadbasing the eco-system to produce more champions."