Union HRD minister Kapil Sibal on Friday announced that the government will bear the education cost of players who win medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and want to study further.
Speaking to reporters, the HRD minister stated that the step has been initiated to encourage sports talent in the country. “As a token of appreciation the cost of education of players who are medal winners in the Commonwealth Games would be borne by the government for the entire duration of their studies,” Mr Sibal stated.
He stated that the government support would continue as long as these players wish to pursue studies. This would include tuition fee and maintenance expenditure of such students as well.
The expenditure for college going students, including those in professional colleges, would be borne by the University Grants Commission while the Central Board of Secondary Education would bear expenditure of those currently in schools.
The HRD minister has also asked the UGC and CBSE to formulate financial incentive schemes to support talented sports persons.