New Delhi, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : The Delhi government, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has announced a new initiative aimed at nurturing sports talent at the grassroots level. Starting soon, eligible young athletes will receive a monthly financial incentive of ₹2,000 to support their training and help them reach higher levels of competition.
During a cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, the government approved the “Chief Minister Sports Incentive Scheme” (MKPS) which includes “Grassroots Training Support Assistance.” This program will provide financial aid to young athletes who regularly train at government sports centers and stadiums.
The initiative seeks to eliminate financial barriers that may hinder training and ensure that young athletes have access to consistent coaching from an early age. Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that this assistance expands the reach of the MKPS to the grassroots level.
“In their formative years, athletes often face regular expenses related to nutrition, local travel, necessary sports equipment, and medical needs. The monthly support of ₹2,000 will help them continue their training without interruption. This will reduce the likelihood of talented athletes dropping out, allowing Delhi’s sports centers and stadiums to develop as strong hubs for nurturing talent,” she stated.
Under this new arrangement, up to 25 percent of regularly enrolled trainees at each government sports center or stadium will be eligible for assistance. Typically, a maximum of 100 athletes will be included from a single stadium or center. In larger stadiums with more trainees, this limit may increase to 150, depending on budget availability.
The scheme will cater to athletes in the under-14, under-17, under-19, and under-21 age categories. Beneficiaries will be selected based on their performance, regular attendance, discipline, and financial need. Eligible athletes must meet specific criteria, including regular enrollment and a minimum attendance rate of 80 percent.
The Chief Minister noted that a systematic process will be established for selecting beneficiaries, with quarterly reviews of their performance, attendance, and discipline. This will ensure that the support reaches those young athletes who are consistently training and show potential for advancement in sports.
This new initiative further expands the existing framework of the MKPS. Currently, top-ranked school-level athletes receive up to ₹5 lakh annually for coaching, equipment, competition participation, nutrition, and other training-related needs. Exceptional athletes representing Delhi and India at the highest levels can receive up to ₹20 lakh each year.
Additionally, under the “Participation Support” program, athletes taking part in recognized international competitions can claim reimbursement of up to ₹2 lakh for essential expenses.
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