Finally, the national-international players, who were missed by the State Government in receiving the pending scholarships and cash awards can expect the honour. The Sports department on Friday approved a budget of over Rs1 crore for such players hailing from different sports disciplines.
It included 94 hockey players (2012-13 financial year) along with addition of 137 players (2014-15 financial year). 15 players of 2012-13 and 2013-14 years whose applications were not accepted were also approved for cash awards followed by 152 players. Moreover, 141 players of 2014-15 year were added for getting the scholarships.
“Besides, approving pending grants of players, we will give away grants to 16 players from our Sportspersons Welfare Cell. The list includes shooter Tara Shahdeo (Rs4 lakh), athlete A Oraon suffering from cancer (Rs3 lakh), disabled cricketer Ranjit Kumar (Rs50,000), injured athlete Ashutosh Kumar (Rs25,000).
Archers Ramesh and Prayag would get Rs2.96 lakh separately for purchasing bow and arrow,” said Sports Director Anil Kumar Singh. “Government will bear Rs90,000 individually for state archers Jaspal Singh and Anuj Gupta about to represent India in Bangkok. Also, we will sponsor badminton player Uma Rani Palit with Rs3.26 lakh chosen to represent India team at Sweden in September,” added the Sports Director.