Jaipur, Rajasthan : Under the able leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the state government is continuously taking historic decisions to nurture sports talent and provide them with economic and social security. With the motto of “With Sports, After Sports,” the government is providing assistance to athletes at every step, from providing financial security to preparing for the 2028 Olympics.
In this effort, several important schemes have been developed to make the state a sports hub, including the Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme, out-of-turn appointments, and a sports life insurance scheme for the all-round development of athletes.
Rajasthan Center of Excellence to be built in Jaipur
To elevate the state’s talent to the Olympic stage, the “Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme” has been launched, modeled after the central government’s initiative. The objective of this scheme is to select and prepare 50 talented young athletes for the 2028 Olympic Games and provide them with world-class coaches, training, kits, and other necessary support. In addition, they will receive a monthly out-of-pocket allowance of ₹25,000.
Additionally, the Rajasthan Center of Excellence will be established in Jaipur, where selected athletes will receive international-level facilities.
This scheme is for athletes who are not currently eligible for the central government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme. Twenty percent of the seats are reserved for para-athletes. The Rajasthan Mission Olympic Committee and the State Talent Search and Development Committee have been formed to ensure transparent governance and monitor athlete performance.
Appointments made in various sports, including cricket, shooting, equestrian, and kabaddi
To secure the future of medal-winning youth, the state government has vigorously implemented the out-of-turn appointment policy. Under this policy, 186 medal-winning athletes have been honored by being appointed to state government services based on their sporting achievements.
Prominent athletes such as Ravi Bishnoi from cricket, Manini Kaushik from shooting, Divyakriti Singh from equestrian, and Sachin from kabaddi have been honored with appointments to the posts of Deputy Superintendent in the Rajasthan Police Service, and Mona Agarwal from parachuting to the post of Professor (Physical Education) under the sports quota.
Grants of over ₹40 crore for athletes
The state government has approved grants of over ₹40 crore 12 lakh to 1,786 talented athletes who have made a name for themselves at the national and international level. This assistance will help athletes advance without any financial constraints to better practice and prepare for future major competitions.
Sports Life Insurance: Security Cover
Prioritizing the safety of athletes’ lives and health, the government has implemented the Sports Life Insurance Scheme. Under this scheme, international medal winners are provided accident and life insurance cover of up to ₹25 lakh. Additionally, athletes are also being provided financial assistance to purchase state-of-the-art sports equipment.