Delhi government approves Rs 9.75 crore aid for 123 elite athletes

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood has sanctioned Rs 9.75 crore in financial assistance for 123 sportspersons under the Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana (MMCPY), officials announced on October 11. The beneficiaries include 89 elite athletes and 34 school-level athletes.

To ensure transparency and prompt disbursement, 60 per cent of the total amount, Rs 5.85 crore, will be transferred directly to the verified bank accounts of the recipients in the first phase. The remaining Rs 3.90 crore will be released after verifying utilisation certificates and supporting vouchers, according to the official press release. The second instalment is contingent on verification of expenditure documents.

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The financial aid follows recommendations by the Committee of Experts and aims to support sporting talent at both elite and grassroots levels within the national capital. Under the scheme, elite sportspersons may receive up to Rs 20 lakh each to cover expenses related to specialised coaching, sporting equipment, nutrition, and training.

The government has expanded the list of sports covered by the programme to include additional disciplines at both elite and school levels. The elite category now includes Wushu, roller skating, kabaddi, handball, and basketball, while the school level encompasses Wushu, Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and roller skating.

Sood emphasised the importance of sports and physical education in youth development and stated that financial constraints should not hinder aspiring athletes. He remarked, “The scheme is intended to strengthen support for school-level talent as well as elite sportspersons, helping them access training and resources required to compete at national and international levels.”

The minister further highlighted the inclusion of traditional and modern sports, saying the expansion would create more opportunities for young athletes to develop their abilities and represent the country at major competitions.

The MMCPY assistance is tailored to the different needs of school athletes and elite sportspersons. While support for school-level athletes aims to nurture emerging talent through educational institutions, aid for elite athletes addresses the demands of advanced competitive training.

This approval by the Delhi government seeks to enhance the support system for athletes by combining direct financial aid with a broader range of eligible sporting disciplines and a phased disbursement process.