The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has released a fund of Rs. 30.83 crore, and an out-of-pocket allowance of Rs 7.13 crore for 2,571 Khelo India Athletes for Quarter 4 of the financial year 2023-24. This amount is part of the Khelo India Scholarship Scheme.
As part of the Khelo India Scheme’s long-term development program, approximately 3000 athletes receive an out-of-pocket allowance of Rs 1,20,000 per annum per athlete. Additionally, Rs. 5 Lakh is allocated for each athlete’s training and competition expenses.
The Quarter 4 amount released in January-February-March 2024 brings the total released for the financial year 2023-24 to Rs 30,83,30,000. These funds cover the allowances for Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4.
The Khelo India athletes, totaling close to 3000, receive a comprehensive annual scholarship of Rs. 6.28 lakhs. This scholarship encompasses training, coaching, diet, kitting, medical insurance, kits, and the out-of-pocket allowance.
Breakdown of amounts released for 2023-24 to Khelo India Athletes (KIAs):
– Q1: 2848 KIAs – Rs 7,36,70,000
– Q2: 2684 KIAs – Rs 7,81,10,000
– Q3: 2663 KIAs – Rs 7,94,20,000
– Q4: 2571 KIAs – Rs 7,71,30,000.
The Khelo India programme aims to rejuvenate India’s sports culture at the grassroots level, fostering a robust framework for all sports. Its ultimate goal is to position India as a prominent sporting nation on the global stage.