CM TAMANG AWARDS SPORTS PERSONS WITH CASH INCENTIVES

Gangtok, June 17, 2023: A program to award cash incentive to meritorious Sports persons of the State for 2020-21 and 2021-2022 was held today at the conference hall of Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok.

The cash incentives were presented by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang at the function organised by the Sports and Youth Affairs Department.

A total amount of Rs. 39,44,000/- was awarded as cash incentives to sportspersons from various sports discipline such as Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Body building, Football, Kick-Boxing, Strength Lifting, Taekwondo and Table Tennis. The awardees are all accomplished sportsperson who have excelled in their individual discipline and won laurels at Zonal Level, National Level competitions representing Sikkim state and International competitions representing India. The cash amount vary according to the level of the tournament and the individual ranking as well as the age category.

Sports kits worth Rs. 1 crore , were also distributed to various sports institutes. The kits, are sponsored under the initiative of the Chief Minister’s Office and co-funded by Sikkim Urja Limited.

Similarly, sports materials were distributed to Government schools from all six districts of the state.

A one time grant was presented by the Chief Minister to the new Khelo India Sports Training Centre established at Pakyong and Soreng Districts. Appointment orders of coaches for the two new centre were also handed over.

This was followed by presentation of cheques to various sports associations of Sikkim.

The Chief Minister lauded the contribution of young sportspersons, sports associations and the department. He unequivocally said that the Government will provide financial support to all sports organisations, associations and enthusiasts alike for any kind of initiative related to sports.

CM Tamang said that grants from Chief Minister’s Discretionary Fund (CMDF) will be provided to associations for organising sporting events in the state. He assured that from the following year, annual grants provided to the Sports Associations will also be enhanced to Rs. 5 lakhs each.

The Chief Minister mentioned various sports infrastructure that are completed and underway. He announced that a sum of Rs.30 crore has been earmarked for construction of at least five playgrounds in every constituency. The Chief Minister also announced that Rs. 1 crore will be set aside for organising inter-school sports competitions. He further urged the department to organise sports competition at college level as well.

The Chief Minister said that Sports and Youth Affairs Department is one such department that can guide the youngsters onto the right path and keep them away from social evils. “The department has been helping and facilitating the youth to harness their sports talent to the fullest,” he said.