Rajasthan Doubles Sports Budget, Introduces New Policy for Youth Development

Rajasthan's state government will double its sports budget and introduce a new sports policy aiming for all-round personality development of youth, Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore announced in the state Assembly. The government will also create a separate fund for high-level facilities for top athletes and tackle the issue of fake certificates.

Rajasthan's state government has announced plans to double its sports budget and draft a new sports policy aimed at promoting all-round personality development in youth, according to Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore.

Speaking during a debate on the Youth Affairs and Sports Department's grant demand in the state Assembly, the Minister highlighted the government's commitment to grassroots-level sports.

Subsequently, the House approved a grant of over Rs 200 crore for the Youth Affairs and Sports Department by voice vote. Rathore noted that the sports budget of Rs 475 crore from last year will be doubled gradually under the Rajasthan Sports Modernisation Mission.

The new Sports Policy-2024 aims to foster youth development and make Rajasthan a developed state. The government plans to establish a separate fund to provide elite athletes with high-level facilities and ensure their participation in international events, in a bid to enhance competitiveness. Measures will also be taken to address the problem of fake certificates through 'one-time registration' for new players.