Delhi's young athletes to receive Rs 2,000 monthly incentive at grassroots level: CM Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, Sep 10 (AHN) The Delhi government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has taken a decision to nurture sporting talent at the grassroots level and help young athletes progress to higher levels of competition by providing them Rs 2,000 monthly incentive.

At a Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on Thursday, the Delhi government approved the introduction of the 'Grassroot Training Support Assistance' component under the 'Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana' (MKPY), an official statement said.

Under the new initiative, eligible young athletes who regularly train at Delhi government sports centres and stadiums will receive financial assistance of Rs 2,000 per month.

The aim is to remove financial barriers that can disrupt training and ensure that young athletes have access to continuous training from the early stages.

Chief Minister Gupta said the new assistance scheme expands the reach of the 'Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana' to the grassroots level.

"In their initial years, athletes often have to meet regular expenses on nutrition, local travel, basic sporting equipment and medical needs."

"The monthly assistance of Rs 2,000 will help them continue their training without interruption. This will reduce the likelihood of talented athletes dropping out of training and help Delhi government sports centres and stadiums develop as strong hubs for grassroots talent development."

Under the new arrangement, assistance will be provided to up to 25 per cent of the regularly enrolled trainees at each government sports centre or stadium.

Normally, a maximum of 100 athletes at any one stadium or centre will be covered. At larger stadiums with a higher number of trainees, this limit may be increased to 150 athletes, subject to budget availability.

The scheme will cover athletes in the Under-14, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 age groups. Beneficiaries will be selected based on sporting performance and potential, regular attendance and discipline, and financial need. Eligible athletes will be required to fulfil the prescribed conditions, including regular enrolment and at least 80 per cent attendance.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said there will be a structured process for selecting beneficiaries, with their performance, attendance and discipline reviewed every quarter.

This will help ensure that the assistance reaches young athletes who are training regularly and have the potential to progress in sport.

The new initiative further expands the existing framework of the 'Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana'.

The Chief Minister added that under the existing Training Support module, top-ranked athletes at the school level are provided assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh per year for coaching, equipment, participation in competitions, nutrition and other training-related requirements.

Elite athletes representing Delhi and India at the highest level may receive assistance of up to Rs 20 lakh per year.

Under participation support, eligible expenses related to participation in recognised international competitions are reimbursed up to Rs 2 lakh per athlete.