The Sports Authority of India (SAI), STC Puducherry Training Centre, has announced selection trials for boys under the Residential and Non-Residential schemes.
The trials will be conducted in four sports: Volleyball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho and Weightlifting.
According to the selection notice, the trials will be held on September 19 and September 20, 2026, at the SAI Training Centre in Puducherry. Candidates are required to report at 7:00 AM on both days.
The selection will be based on the athlete’s performance in the trials, physical fitness and sport-specific skills as per SAI norms.
SAI Puducherry Selection Trials 2026: Quick Details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Sports Authority of India |
| Centre | STC Puducherry Training Centre |
| Scheme | Residential and Non-Residential |
| Gender | Boys Only |
| Sports | Volleyball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Weightlifting |
| Trial Dates | September 19 and 20, 2026 |
| Reporting Time | 7:00 AM |
| Venue | SAI Training Centre, Lawspet Main Road, Puducherry – 605008 |
| Selection | Trials, performance, physical fitness and skill tests as per SAI norms |
Which Sports Are Included?
The selection trials are being conducted for four sports.
Volleyball
Boys in the eligible age group for team games can attend the Volleyball selection trials.
Kabaddi
The selection process will also be conducted for Kabaddi players under the specified age eligibility.
Kho-Kho
Eligible boys interested in Kho-Kho can participate in the trials and demonstrate their sports skills and physical abilities.
Weightlifting
Weightlifting is included as the individual sport in this notification. Boys in the specified individual-sport age category can attend the trials.
SAI’s official STC information lists Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Volleyball and Weightlifting among the disciplines covered under the Training Centre scheme.
SAI Puducherry Selection Trials Age Limit
The notification has specified different age groups for team and individual sports.
For team games: 10 to 16 years
This applies to:
- Volleyball
- Kabaddi
- Kho-Kho
For individual sports: 12 to 18 years
This applies to:
- Weightlifting
Parents and athletes should check the age eligibility carefully before travelling to the centre.
Selection Process
The selection notice states that selection will be based on:
- Trials
- Performance
- Physical fitness
- Skill tests
The assessment will be conducted as per SAI norms.
This means athletes should be prepared for both their sport-specific assessment and physical fitness evaluation. Candidates should not focus only on one aspect of the trial.
For team-game athletes, basic skills, movement and overall game performance can be important during the assessment. Weightlifting candidates should concentrate on proper technique and their overall performance rather than attempting unfamiliar or unsafe training immediately before the trial.
Documents to Bring for SAI Puducherry Trials
Candidates attending the selection trials should carry the documents mentioned in the notification.
The list includes:
- Date of Birth proof – Original
- Aadhaar Card – Original
- Recent passport-size photographs – 12 copies
- Sports achievement certificates
- Medical fitness certificate
It is advisable for candidates and parents to prepare these documents before leaving for the venue.
Candidates should also keep their original documents safely with them throughout the selection process.
SAI Puducherry Selection Trial Venue
The trials will take place at:
SAI Training Centre
Lawspet Main Road
Puducherry – 605008
Reporting Time
7:00 AM on both days
Since reporting is scheduled for 7:00 AM, candidates travelling from outside Puducherry should plan their journey accordingly and try to reach the venue before the reporting time.
Trial Dates
The selection trials are scheduled for:
September 19, 2026
and
September 20, 2026
The notification does not mention a September 21–29 trial period. Therefore, candidates should not assume that trials will continue beyond September 20 unless SAI issues another official update.
Contact Numbers
The selection poster provides separate contact numbers for each sport.
Volleyball:
+91 97895 44625
Kabaddi:
+91 96003 67388
Kho-Kho:
+91 90141 90297
Weightlifting:
+91 89215 87809
+91 97901 99901
Candidates or parents who have questions about a particular sport can contact the respective number provided in the notification.
Residential and Non-Residential Scheme
The selection trials are being conducted for both Residential and Non-Residential schemes.
SAI describes its Training Centre scheme as a programme aimed at grooming junior-level sports talent. The official SAI information states that selected trainees under the STC scheme receive support and training facilities according to the applicable scheme provisions.
SAI’s current statistics also separately track residential and non-residential trainees under the STC scheme across its centres.
Candidates and parents should confirm the specific arrangements applicable to the Puducherry selection and the scheme under which an athlete is selected with the concerned centre.
What Athletes Should Carry and Prepare Before Going?
For athletes attending the trials, preparation should start before reaching the venue.
Make sure all required documents are ready, including the original date-of-birth proof, Aadhaar Card, photographs, sports achievement certificates and medical fitness certificate.
Athletes should also continue their regular sports training and fitness preparation. There is no need to suddenly increase training intensity just before the selection trial.
For Volleyball, Kabaddi and Kho-Kho players, it is useful to be ready to demonstrate their basic sport-specific skills and overall movement.
For Weightlifting athletes, proper technique and safe lifting practices should remain a priority.
Most importantly, candidates should arrive on time and follow the instructions given by the officials at the centre.
Important Information for Parents
Parents should carefully check the age eligibility and documents before travelling to Puducherry.
The trial is for boys only, and the age requirement differs between team games and individual sports.
Parents should also note that the selection is not based simply on participation in a particular sport. The notification states that trials, performance, physical fitness and skill tests will form part of the selection assessment as per SAI norms.
For any clarification about the trial, candidates should use the sport-specific contact numbers provided in the official selection notice.
Final Word
For young athletes looking to develop their sporting career, selection opportunities at SAI Training Centres can be an important step in their journey.
The STC Puducherry selection trials announced for September 2026 cover Volleyball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho and Weightlifting, with opportunities under both Residential and Non-Residential schemes.
The trials will take place on September 19 and 20, 2026, with candidates required to report at 7:00 AM at the SAI Training Centre, Lawspet Main Road, Puducherry.
Athletes who meet the age criteria should prepare their documents, continue their regular training and reach the venue on time.
Before travelling, candidates and parents should verify any last-minute changes directly with the concerned SAI centre or the sport-specific contact number given in the notification.