Question : REMUNERATION TO-SPORTSPERSONS

(a) whether the Government has formulated any policy to provide remuneration and other facilities to National/State level sportspersons in various sports discipline particularly Kabaddi, Kho-kho etc. at par with cricket players;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the steps being taken by the Government to improve the performance of sportspersons of various sports in the International and National competitions by upgrading their status and providing them incentives?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT, ENTERPRENEURSHIP, YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS (SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL)

(a) to (c): The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports does not pay remuneration to players of any sports discipline. The Ministry provides financial incentives in the forms of cash awards and pension under the ‘Scheme of Special Awards to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches’ and the Scheme of Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons’. Benefits of these schemes are equally applicable to the sportspersons belonging to disciplines of kabaddi and kho-kho as per the eligibility conditions prescribed in these schemes.

(d) Various schemes are already being implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for promotion of excellence in sports events at national and international level.

Under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs) financial assistance is provided for conduct of National Championships, conduct of international tournaments in India, participation of sportspersons in international sports competitions, organizing coaching camps, engagement of foreign coaches, and procurement of sports equipments.

Under the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF), financial assistance is provided for customized training of elite athletes.

Trainees under the following schemes of Sports Authority of India are provided scientific training, stipend, sports kit, competition exposure, etc. :-
(i) National Sports Talent Contest ( NSTC) Scheme.

(ii) Army Boys Sports Company ( ABSC) Scheme

(iii) SAI Training Centres ( STC ) Scheme

(iv) Special Area Games ( SAG) Scheme

(v) Centres of Excellence ( COE) Scheme.