Financial help to ex-sportspersons increased

New Delhi: The Sports Ministry increased the financial assistance to ex-sportspersons under the National Welfare Fund of Sportspersons while taking measures to bring more athletes under its wings. The quantum of assistance from the Fund has also been substantially enhanced.

The Ministry said, “Under the revised scheme, the amount of annual income for being eligible for getting financial assistance from the Fund has been raised from the existing Rs 2 lakh to Rs 4 lakh. Under the revised scheme, sportspersons and family members of the sportspersons living in indigent circumstances will be eligible for financial assistance.”

Financial assistance may be granted to an outstanding sportsperson now living in indigent circumstances, subject to a maximum of Rs 5 lakh. Financial assistance subject to a maximum of Rs 10 lakh may be granted to an outstanding sportsperson for injuries sustained during training for and participation in sports competitions. Financial assistance not exceeding Rs 5 lakh may be provided to the families of deceased outstanding sportspersons living in indigent circumstances.