The Aim of the Punjab State Government’s Department of Sports Pension for Eminent Sports Persons Program was to offer lifelong pensions to established sportsmen who represented India while in their youth. The Punjab State Sports Council launched this project to honor those who have brought fame to the country as well as to pay athletes for the chances they had given up in life to become sportsmen. These famous sports are assured a monthly income and their families are offered financial stability upon their passing.
Duration of Pension
- For Life: Pension is provided for the lifetime of the recipient.
- After Demise: The pension will be transferred to the recipient’s spouse or elderly parents, as applicable, ensuring continued support.
Benefits
| Competition Level | Monthly Pension Amount |
|---|---|
| Olympic Games | ₹1,000/- |
| Official World Cup | ₹1,000/- |
| Davis Cup in Tennis | ₹1,000/- |
| Test Matches/ODIs in Cricket | ₹1,000/- |
| Commonwealth Games | ₹600/- |
| Asian Games | ₹600/- |
Mode of Payment
- Pension is credited directly to the recipient’s bank account via a crossed bank cheque.
Eligibility
Participation Criteria:
- The applicant must have represented India in one of the following:
- Olympic Games
- Official World Cup
- Commonwealth Games
- Asian Games
- Davis Cup in Tennis
- Test/ODI Cricket Matches
Age Criterion:
- Applicants must be 40 years or older to avail of the benefits.
Domicile Requirement:
- The applicant must be a resident of Punjab (Punjab domicile).
Note: Participation in National Games representing Punjab is not mandatory for eligibility if the applicant has participated in the listed international games.
Concurrent Pension:
- Veteran sportsmen/women already receiving a sports pension from the Government of India are also eligible for this scheme.
Application Process
Mode of Application: Offline
Steps to Apply
- Collect Application Form:
Visit the District Sports Officer’s office (Secretary of the District Sports Council) and collect the prescribed application form free of cost. - Fill the Form:
Complete the application form accurately and legibly. - Attach Required Documents:
Attach all necessary supporting documents (listed below). - Submit the Application:
Submit the filled application form along with documents to the District Sports Officer-cum-Secretary, District Sports Council. - Verification and Finalization:
The District Sports Officer will verify the application and forward it to the Secretary, Punjab State Sports Council for final approval and processing of the pension.
Documents Required
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, etc.)
- Passport-Size Photograph
- Proof of Age
- Bank Passbook (to verify account details)
- Certificates Supporting Sports Achievements
- Other Relevant Documents (if required)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the objective of the “Scheme of Pension for Eminent Sports Persons”?
The scheme aims to grant lifetime pensions with financial security to veteran sportsmen/women who have shown outstanding performance in international competitions, as a tribute to their contribution to sports. - Who will be eligible for this pension?
Anyone who has represented India in Olympic Games, World Cup, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Davis Cup, or Test/ODI Cricket Matches. - What age limit is there for taking the pension benefit?
The applicants must be 40 years and above. - Is the scheme strictly for those who have represented Punjab in the National Games?
No, it is not mandatory to have represented Punjab in the National Games if the applicant has participated in the competitions specified by the international games. - Can applicants seek the scheme if they are getting sports pensions from the Government of India?
Yes, individuals already receiving a pension from the Government of India are still eligible for this scheme. - What is the duration of the pension?
The pension is awarded for the lifetime of the recipient and continues for their spouse or elderly parents after their demise. - How can one apply for the pension under this scheme?
The application form is available at the District Sports Officer’s office, to be filled and submitted with other relevant documents. - What documents are needed to support the application?
Documents required include identity proof, passport-size photograph, proof of age, bank details, and sports achievement certificates.
Sources and References
- Guidelines: Punjab State Sports Council
- Official Website: Punjab Sports Department