Annual support up to Rs 16L for budding sportspersons in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Friday announced financial support for sportspersons in the national Capital, to provide them with training and coaching with the objective of preparing them to compete in international championships, national games and to achieve excellence in sports.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, "The scheme aims to provide state-funded support to compete for selection in forthcoming major international events like – 2020 Olympics, 2022 Asian Games, Commonwealth Games 2022 and 2024 Olympics."

Sisodia added that as per the scheme, a sportsperson will be supported for his or her needs related to food and nutrition, sports equipment, sports kits, training and travel, boarding and lodging (within the country and abroad) and medical needs.

"The quantum of support will be demand linked, but will not exceed Rs 16 lakh per year," said Sisodia.

The Delhi Cabinet approved the plan on Friday, with Sisodia – who also holds the portfolio of Sports Minister – hoping that the initiative would empower budding sports stars in the city.

"There will be some categories to select these sportspersons and a committee will be formed for the selection procedure," the Deputy CM said, adding that a list of games and disciplines will be prepared by the Committee of Experts (CoE) and will be received every five years.

Players will be selected on the basis of top eight national ranking in individual sports as on December 31 of a previous calendar year, in their respective age category.

There would be other selection criteria as well, one of them being that if a player has represented Delhi in team games at a national level in the calendar year in his/her respective age category, he or she would be selected.