The “Scheme of Pension for Eminent Sports Persons” was launched by the Department of Sports, Government of Punjab to honor veteran sportsmen and sportswomen who have excelled at the international level during their youth and brought laurels to the nation. This initiative, administered by the Punjab State Sports Council, aims to provide lifetime financial support in the form of a pension. It recognizes the sacrifices made by these outstanding sports persons, who often forgo other opportunities in pursuit of excellence in sports.
Benefits
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Lifetime Pension:
The pension is awarded for life. After the demise of the beneficiary, the spouse or, in some cases, the elderly parents, will continue to receive the pension. -
Pension Amounts:
- Olympic Games, Official World Cup, Davis Cup (Tennis), Test/One Day International (Cricket): ₹1,000 per month
- Commonwealth Games and Asian Games: ₹600 per month
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Mode of Payment:
Pension payments are made via cross bank cheque directly into the pensioners’ bank accounts.
Eligibility
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Representation at International Level:
The candidate must have represented the national team in one or more of the following competitions:- Olympic Games
- Official World Cup
- Commonwealth Games
- Asian Games
- Davis Cup in Tennis
- Test Matches/One Day Internationals in Cricket
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Age Criterion:
Candidates seeking pension under this scheme should have attained the age of 40 years. -
Punjab Domicile:
All veteran sports persons who are domiciled in Punjab and have brought laurels to the nation are eligible, regardless of whether they represented Punjab in the National Games. -
Overlap with Other Schemes:
Candidates receiving any sports pension from the Government of India remain eligible to receive pension under this scheme from the Punjab State Sports Council.
Application Process
Offline
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Visit the District Sports Office:
Eligible candidates must visit the office of the District Sports Officer, who also serves as the Secretary of the District Sports Council. -
Collect the Application Form:
Obtain the prescribed application form free of cost from the designated office. -
Complete the Form:
Fill in all the required details accurately and legibly on the application form. -
Submission:
Submit the duly filled and supported application form, along with requisite certificates, to the concerned District Sports Officer-cum-Secretary, District Sports Council. -
Processing:
The District Sports Officer will verify the details and forward the application to the Secretary of the Punjab State Sports Council, who will process and finalize the pension award.
Documents Required
- A copy of a valid identity proof.
- Passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of age.
- Bank passbook (or other proof of bank account).
- Certificates or documents supporting sports achievements.
- Any other relevant documents as required by the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the purpose of the Scheme of Pension for Eminent Sports Persons?
The scheme is designed to provide a lifetime pension to veteran sports persons who have represented the country internationally, thereby recognizing their contributions and compensating for the opportunities sacrificed during their sporting careers. -
Who is eligible for pension under this scheme?
Eligibility is open to veteran sports persons who have represented the national team in competitions such as the Olympic Games, Official World Cup, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Davis Cup, or international cricket matches, and who are domiciled in Punjab. -
What is the age criterion for availing the pension benefit?
Candidates must be at least 40 years old. -
Is the scheme exclusive to those who represented Punjab in National Games?
No, it is open to all veteran sports persons from Punjab, regardless of whether they represented Punjab in National Games. -
Can individuals receiving a sports pension from the Government of India apply for this scheme?
Yes, such individuals are also eligible to receive pension under this scheme. -
What is the duration of the pension?
The pension is provided for life, with continued benefits to the spouse or elderly parents after the beneficiary’s death. -
How can one apply for pension under this scheme?
Applications must be submitted offline at the District Sports Office by collecting and completing the prescribed application form. -
What documents are required to support my application?
Required documents include identity proof, passport-sized photographs, proof of age, bank passbook, certificates of sports achievements, and any other documents specified by the authorities.