National Academy of Athletics,under the auspices of the Sports Authority of India was inaugurated by Union Sports Minister Sarbhanand Sonowal, at the Lakshmibhai National College of Physical Education, at Kariavattom on the outskirts of the capital Thiruvananthapuram today. The Athletics Academy is the first of its kind in the country. In his inaugural address, Sports Minister Sarbhanand Sonowal said, the Athletics Academy will formulate a long-term training programme for nurturing future champions in athletics. Eminent sports persons, who won laurels for the country in the national and international arena, were felicitated by Union Sports Minister Sarbhanand Sonowal.