Ministry raises the perks for athletes

 Keeping in mind the upcoming Olympic Games, Sports Ministry has revised various financial parameters under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations.

“The amount for holding National Championships has been revised to Rs 5 lakh for seniors, Rs 7 lakh for juniors and Rs 10 lakh for sub-juniors. This was announced by the Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal in Guwahati today,” a Ministry release stated on Tuesday.

In order to promote traditional tournaments, assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh each has been granted. Assistance of Rs 25 lakh will be available for holding “prestigious tournaments” in India.

It was also decided that senior players and coaches will be allowed air travel in economy class for a distance beyond 500 kms.  Similarly, junior players will be allowed air travel in economy class for a distance beyond 1200 kms.

“Sub-junior players will be allowed to travel by AC III tier. Earlier, air travel was not admissible. Senior players were travelling by AC II tier and junior and sub-junior players were travelling by sleeper class for domestic competitions.

“Air travel has been allowed for coaching camps and competitions in the North-East Region.  Similarly, the athletes from the North-East Region will be allowed air travel from their residence to Kolkata,” the release stated.

Medical insurance policy of Rs 5 lakh and Personal Accident Policy of Rs 25 lakh for athletes has been allowed. For international event in India, the quantum of financial assistance has been enhanced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs. 0 lakh per tournament.

“The salary of various support personnel like doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, masseurs, etc. has also been hiked. High Performance Specialist Coaches with remuneration up to Rs 2 lakh per month can be engaged by SAI/NSFs for sports disciplines included in mega events,” the release stated.

“The salary of chief coach has been enhanced from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,50,000 per month. Higher salary will also be allowed in specific deserving cases. The salary of other coaches has also been enhanced from Rs 30, 000 to Rs 75, 000 per month.”