2,394 sportspersons get scholarships

The Sports Department awarded scholarships to 2,394 sportspersons at a function held in the Post Graduate Government College for Girls, Sector 42. The Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, distributed scholarships worth Rs 10.18 crore to 2,394 meritorious sportspersons.

Kataria said sports not only increased physical and mental strength but was also the most important medium to develop discipline, teamwork and leadership skills in life.

Under this policy, the amount of scholarship for players in various categories has been increased. In the Under-23 category, a gold medallist got a scholarship of Rs 60,000, silver medallist Rs 54,000 and bronze winner Rs 48,000. The amount is Rs 48,000, Rs 42,000 and Rs36,000 respectively for the under-19 category. The three winners in the under-14 category get Rs 36,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 24,000, respectively.

Appreciating the importance being given to sports under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Administrator said the budget of Khelo India had been increased three times, thereby strengthening the sports infrastructure across the country.

The Governor distributed cheques to the sports scholarship recipients and wished them a bright future. Motivating the players, he said, “Every player has immense potential. If you move forward with discipline, hard work and right guidance, then no power in the world can stop you from succeeding,” said Kataria.