Delhi government to give young athletes Rs 2,000 a month

There is relief in store for young athletes in Delhi. The Delhi government has decided to give athletes undergoing training in the state direct financial assistance of Rs 2,000 every month. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, which gave formal approval to the Chief Minister's Sports Promotion Scheme.

The government says the step has been taken to promote sport and support talented athletes working hard at the grassroots, that is, at the very beginning level. The amount will let athletes cover the cost of sports equipment and training, expenses that often go unmet because of financial constraints.

The assistance will be given under the scheme through Grassroots Training Support Assistance. It will benefit only those young athletes who are training regularly at the Delhi government's official sports centres or stadiums. The government claims the decision will bring relief to thousands of athletes in Delhi and give them further encouragement to bring glory to the country at the national and international level.

Under the scheme's rules, at each official sports centre or stadium, a maximum of 25 percent of the athletes regularly registered there will be given this financial assistance.

The scheme will benefit athletes in four age categories: under-14, that is athletes below 14 years of age, under-17, under-19 and under-21. Simply applying will not guarantee the assistance. Athletes will be selected through a transparent process.

At the time of selection, factors such as the athlete's performance on the field, sporting ability, regular attendance in practice, discipline and the family's financial need will be considered important. Generally, a maximum of 100 athletes from a single sports centre or stadium will be selected for this assistance.