Delhi Approves ₹9.75 Crore Aid for 123 Elite and School Athletes

The approved assistance is set to benefit a diverse group of sportspersons. According to an official press release, the beneficiaries include 89 elite athletes and 34 school-level athletes. This dual-layered approach ensures that promising young talent in schools receives the necessary foundation, while established athletes get the high-level resources required for international competition.

Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasized that financial hurdles should never stand in the way of an athlete's dreams. He noted that the scheme is designed to provide the essential resources—such as specialized coaching, modern equipment, and nutrition—needed to compete on the grandest stages.

Phased Disbursement for Transparency

To maintain strict financial accountability, the government has implemented a phased payment structure. The disbursement will follow these guidelines:

• First Phase: ₹5.85 crore (60% of the total) will be transferred directly into the verified bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
• Second Phase: The remaining ₹3.90 crore will be released only after the submission and verification of utilization certificates and supporting vouchers.

Expanded List of Sporting Disciplines

Recognizing the evolving landscape of sports, the government has expanded the scope of the MMCPY to include both traditional and emerging disciplines. This expansion ensures that athletes in a wider variety of sports can access much-needed funding.

New Additions to the Scheme:

At the Elite Level:

• Wushu
• Roller Skating
• Kabaddi
• Handball
• Basketball

At the School Level:

• Wushu
• Mallakhamb
• Yogasana
• Roller Skating

Under the elite category, individual athletes are eligible for assistance of up to ₹20 lakh. These funds are specifically intended to cover the high costs of advanced training, nutrition, and specialized equipment, helping Delhi's athletes represent India with excellence at national and international levels.