New Delhi, September 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Delhi government has approved a new grassroots sports support initiative under the Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana (MKPY), under which eligible young athletes training regularly at government sports centres and stadiums will receive a monthly incentive of Rs 2,000.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday. The new “Grassroot Training Support Assistance” component is aimed at helping young athletes continue their training and overcome financial barriers during the early stages of their sporting careers.
Gupta said young athletes often face recurring expenses on nutrition, local travel, basic sporting equipment and medical requirements.
“The monthly assistance of Rs 2,000 will help them continue their training without interruption,” she said, adding that the initiative would reduce the chances of talented athletes dropping out and strengthen government sports centres and stadiums as grassroots talent-development hubs.
The assistance will be available to athletes in the Under-14, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 categories. Up to 25 per cent of regularly enrolled trainees at each government sports centre or stadium will be eligible.
Normally, a maximum of 100 athletes at a centre or stadium will be covered. At larger facilities with higher enrolment, the limit may be increased to 150 athletes, subject to budget availability.
Beneficiaries will be selected on the basis of sporting performance and potential, regular attendance, discipline and financial need. Eligible athletes must fulfil prescribed conditions, including regular enrolment and at least 80 per cent attendance.
The government will review beneficiaries’ performance, attendance and discipline every quarter to ensure that assistance reaches athletes who are training consistently and demonstrate potential to progress.
The initiative expands the existing MKPY framework. Under its Training Support module, top-ranked school-level athletes can receive assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh annually for coaching, equipment, competition participation, nutrition and other training needs.
Elite athletes representing Delhi and India at the highest level can receive assistance of up to Rs 20 lakh per year. Under the participation support component, eligible expenses for recognised international competitions are reimbursed up to Rs 2 lakh per athlete.
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