Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday handed over cheques to 60 sportspersons under Mission Excellence. “In the first year of the scheme, the Delhi Government had distributed financial assistance of Rs 9.51 crore to 117 players to develop their talent,” Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said at a ceremony to provide financial assistance to sportspersons.
He said the upcoming Delhi Sports University will provide degrees to sportspersons to help them get jobs if they want to work. Kejriwal further said that the Delhi Government had eliminated three difficulties faced by sportspersons – lack of facilities, lack of monetary support and political intervention in the selection processes. "At the Delhi Sports University, players will be provided degrees in their respective sports such as BA in Kabbadi, BA in Wrestling and BA in Cricket among others. This will help them get jobs in case they want to work," Kejriwal said.
"Through the Mission Excellence scheme, sportspersons are being given financial assistance. We have improved sports facilities and there is no political interference in selection of players for the schemes here," he said. He stated, “The best part of Mission Excellence is that there is no political interference in this scheme.” A four-member selection committee consisting of sportspersons decides on the merit of an applicant and assesses their financial need. “We extend aid of up to Rs 16 lakh with different players bagging different amounts under the cap as per their assessment.
Now the onus is upon the players to excel. The Delhi Government is here standing behind you. We will not let you face a lack of funds.
We are here for you, leave no stone unturned in your pursuit for gold. This might be the Delhi Government that’s supporting you at this juncture, but your aim shouldn’t be limited to bringing fame to Delhi. This nation is paramount, India comes before anything else. Make the country proud,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said that Delhi Government was the first in India to introduce such a scheme in the field of sports, which provides financial support to sportspersons during their preparation and days of struggle.
