(a) whether it is true that coaches and sportspersonsacross the country faced financial hardships during thelockdown period;
(b) whether the Government has taken steps toprovide financial assistance or relief to coaches andsportspersons to alleviate their financial hardships;
(c) if so, the details thereof including quantum offunds provided and beneficiaries covered in this regard;and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
FOR YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)
(a) to (d) Sports is a State Subject and the primary responsibility of development of sports, including grant of financial assistance to coaches andsportspersons, rests with the State Governments and the National Sports Federations (NSFs) which are responsible for governance of individual sports disciplines. The Central Government, through the sports development schemes implemented by it and organizations functioning under its aegis, complements and supplements the efforts of the State Governments and NSFs in this regard.
Sports Authority of India (SAI), an autonomous body under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, implements various sports promotional schemes.
Athletes covered under the Khelo India - National Programme for Development of Sports and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) being implemented by the Ministry and various schemes implemented by SAI, get financial assistance as per their entitlement and norms of the respective schemes. TOPS is currently supporting 104 athletes and 2 teams (Senior Hockey Men and Women) in the TOPS Core Group while identification of 269 best sporting talents has been completed under the TOPS Development Group. Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA) of Rs.50,000/- and Rs.25,000/- is provided for the Core Group and the Development Group respectively. Under Khelo India Scheme, 2947 budding athletes have been identified. OPA of Rs.10,000/- per month is being provided to identified athletes under this Scheme.
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