‘Athletes being taken care of’

Country’s present and retired sportspersons are being covered under the financial umbrella through various incentives and pension schemes,the government said on Tuesday.

“Incentives are being provided in the form of special cash awards to winners of medals in international sports events and their coaches; pension to meritorious sportspersons who have won medals in Olympic Games,Asian Games,Commonwealth Games,World Cups/Championships and Paralympic Games,” said minister for state for sports Pratik Prakashbapu Patil on Tuesday.

“Pensions are being given to outstanding sportspersons of yesteryears now living in indigent circumstances.” He also asserted that all recognised disciplines apart from the cricket board (BCCI) are the financial beneficiaries because it does not seek such an assistance.