Historic Allowance Boost for Indian Hockey Players

In a groundbreaking move, the Indian sports ministry has approved a Rs 25,000 monthly allowance for hockey players in the national camp, impacting 80 athletes. This decision, taken by the Mission Olympic Cell, aims to support players' development, with Rs 4.28 crore in proposals also approved at the meeting.

In a historic first, India's hockey players are set to receive a significant financial boost as the sports ministry approves a monthly out-of-pocket allowance of Rs 25,000 for those attending the national camp. This comes after repeated requests from the sport's governing body.

About 80 players, both men and women, are earmarked to benefit from this allowance under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme's developmental group. The decision was finalized at the Mission Olympic Cell's meeting on Thursday, with the government set to incur a cost of Rs 20 lakh monthly.

The monthly meeting also saw the approval of financial proposals worth Rs 4.28 crore. A dominant share of the funding will support tennis players, while proposals for para-athletes also received backing. These strategic decisions are part of the National Sports Repository System's broader effort to enhance talent identification across India.

(With inputs from agencies.)