More money for ‘outstanding’ sportspersons

The government today decided to raise the financial assistance to outstanding sportspersons from the existing Rs 36,000 per annum to Rs 2 lakh. The limit, last reviewed in 1994, was revised in a general committee meeting of the Sports Ministry.

Defining an ‘outstanding sportsperson’, the committee said that financial benefits would be given to athletes who finished on the podium in individual events or were part of a team finishing inside the top two in a recognised national championship. Alternatively, the athlete should have represented India internationally on more than one occasion.

The committee also decided to raise the financial assistance to a sportsperson’s family in case of a fatal injury, in training or during an international competition, from the existing Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The amount was raised from Rs 40,000 to Rs 2 lakh in case of a serious injury.

Other decisions included an enhanced monthly pension (from Rs 2,500 to Rs10, 000) to an athlete who has been incapacitated permanently or indefinitely. The enhanced payment and assistance will come into effect from July 1.