Sports Ministry doubles pension for sportspersons

New Delhi, Jul 10 (UNI) The goverment today gave the sports fraternity a major reason to cheer with Sports Minister MS Gill deciding to effect a 100 per cent increase in the pension of meritorious sportspersons.

A decision to this effect was taken during the meeting of the General Committee, the apex body for managing the 'Sports Fund for Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons' held under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports MS Gill.

Olympic medallists, who earlier used to receive a pension of Rs 5000 per month will now get Rs 10,000.

Gold medal winners at the World Cup/World Championships in Olympic or Asian Games disclines will get Rs 8,000 up from Rs 4,000 earlier while Silver and Bronze medallists will now receive Rs 7,000.

Athletes emerging champion at the Asian or Commonwealth games will receive an enhanced amount of Rs 7,000 with pension for those clinching silver and bronze being increased to Rs 6,000.

Gold and silver winners at the Para-Olympics will get Rs 5,000 and Rs 4,000 respectively while those finishing third in their respective events will get Rs 3000.

The enhanced rates of pension will be available to both existing meritorious sportspersons drawing pension as well as those eligible in future.

The new rates will be effective from July 1.

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