The newly appointed sports minister, Rajyawardhan Singh Rathore, on Friday announced a monthly pocket money of Rs 50,000 for top Indian athletes preparing for for Tokyo Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
The announcement comes in accordance with the recommendation of the Olympic Task Force, headed former Olympian, Abhinav Bindra.
152 elite athletes will benefit from what’s billed as Target Olympic Podium scheme as their payments start from 1 September.
“MYAS @IndiaSports announces Rs 50k/month pocket allowance for 152 elite athletes preparing for Tokyo/CWG/Asian Games. Athletes first, always!” Rathore wrote on the official Twitter handle.
MYAS @IndiaSports announces Rs 50k/month pocket allowance for 152 elite athletes preparing for Tokyo/CWG/Asian Games. Athletes first,always!
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) September 15, 2017
He added, “The allowance applies wef 1 Sep 2017 & is purely for pocket expenses of elite athletes. Committed to providing all resources to our champions.”
The allowance applies wef 1 Sep 2017 & is purely for pocket expenses of elite athletes.Committed to providing all resources to our champions
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) September 15, 2017
He told ANI, “Happy that ministry & Sports Authority of India are now thinking purely in terms of athletes first.”
According a note from the government, the government is also getting in touch with all the athletes selected under ‘TOP to get training & competition exposure plan and any further assistance required for preparation of prestigious competitions.’