NEW DELHI: The total expenditure incurred by the Union Sports Ministry under different schemes for promotion of sports, including for women athletes in 2019 (till October) was Rs 8.95 billion, out of which Rs 3.2 billion was incurred for Khelo India, Rs 3.285 billion for Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Rs 2.45 billion for National Sports Federations.
Union Sportz Minister Kiren Rijiju said that all sports promotional schemes and facilities of the ministry are equally available and accessible to women athletes.
The ministry has also undertaken some specific initiatives for promotion of sportswomen in India. Under the ‘Sports for Women’ vertical of Khelo India Scheme, the ministry has decided to launch ‘Khelo India Football Girls League’ in Under-17 age group.
A support of Rs 30 million was given to the Boxing Federation of India for conducting the AIBA (International Boxing Association) World Women Boxing Championship, 2018 held in New Delhi.
Under the ‘Talent Search and Development’ vertical of Khelo India Scheme, 1,344 women Khelo India Athletes have been supported out of the total 2,741 athletes.
It needs noting that funds are not allocated state-wise and gender-wise.
The total expenditure incurred under different schemes for promotion of sports, including for women athletes in 2019 (till October) was Rs 8,948.7 million, out of which Rs 3,213.8 million was incurred for Khelo India, Rs 3,284.9 million for Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Rs 2,450 million for National Sports Federations.
This information was given by the Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament).
