Assam govt's special thrust to development of sports

Assam government today said it has given special thrust to the development of sports in the state by adopting special schemes to set up state of the art sports infrastructure.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had directed the construction and development of 70 sports infrastructure during the last three years at the cost of Rs 1090 lakh, an official release said here today.

The state department of Sports and Youth Welfare, has also undertaken the construction of a mini stadium at Chandkhira Football Field, at an estimated cost of Rs 100 lakh under Chief Minister's Special Package for Barak Valley, it said.

The government has also released fund for construction of two lawn tennis courts and one basketball court at R G Barua Sports Complex in Guwahati.

The state government has also enhanced the rates of scholarships and sports pension from Rs 3,600 to Rs 6,000 annually for performance at state level, from Rs 4,800 to Rs 8,400 annually for performance at National level and from Rs 15,000 to Rs 50,000 annually for performance at International level, it stated.

A total amount of Rs 72.54 lakh and Rs 76.00 lakh were given to 1125 sportspersons in 2013-14 and to 1150 in 2014-15 for Sports Talent Search Scholarship.

Meanwhile, the rate of monthly sports pension was enhanced from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 while the rate of one time financial assistance was increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000, the release said.