The Indian government is encouraging athletes to pursue sports as a career by providing extensive financial support through various schemes and programs. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, detailed these efforts in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Khelo India Scheme
Under the “Khelo India Centres & Sports Academies” component of the Khelo India Scheme, identified talent is given the option to join accredited Khelo India academies. Athletes receive financial assistance of Rs. 6.28 lakhs per annum, which includes Rs. 1.20 lakhs as Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA), covering training expenses, coaching, competition exposure, education, equipment support, and scientific support.
Furthermore, under the Khelo India Centre vertical, Past Champion Athletes (PCAs) are hired as coaches and mentors for young athletes in Khelo India Centres (KICs). These PCAs train athletes and manage the KICs autonomously or with the support of the State/UT Sports Department. Currently, 918 PCAs have been hired in 1,059 Khelo India Centres across 36 States and Union Territories.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
The government supports India’s top athletes preparing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Selected athletes receive funding from the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) for customized training and additional support not covered by regular Ministry schemes. Core group athletes receive an OPA of Rs. 50,000 per month, and the entire expenditure for their training plans, approved by the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC), is covered under TOPS. Presently, 174 individual athletes and two hockey teams (men and women) are part of the core group. Additionally, the TOPS Development Group has identified 134 promising athletes who receive an OPA of Rs. 25,000 per month.
Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF)
The Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) scheme provides financial assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs) for athlete training, participation in international events, national championships, international tournaments in India, engagement of foreign coaches and support staff, and scientific and medical support.
Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons (PDUNWFS)
This scheme offers direct financial assistance of up to Rs. 2.50 lakhs to sportspersons in indigent circumstances for training, procurement of sports equipment, and participation in national and international sports events.
Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons
The government also supports retired athletes through the Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons scheme, which provides an assured monthly income through annuity. Eligible ex-sportspersons receive a monthly pension ranging from Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 20,000.
Cash Awards to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and Their Coaches
To motivate and encourage higher achievements, the government grants cash awards ranging from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 75,00,000 to sportspersons who win medals at international events.
National Sports Awards
To honor athletes who win medals in international events, the government confers the National Sports Awards annually under various categories, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, and Dhyan Chand Award.
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