Jaipur, May 18 (IANS) The Rajasthan government has launched a series of initiatives aimed at transforming the state into a major sporting hub ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

Guided by the vision of “With Sports, and Beyond Sports” (Khelon ke Saath bhi, Khelon ke Baad bhi), the state government has introduced multiple programmes focused on identifying sporting talent, strengthening training infrastructure, ensuring financial security for athletes and supporting preparations for international competitions, including the Olympics.

Among the key initiatives are the ‘Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme’, out-of-turn government appointments for medal-winning athletes and a Sports Life Insurance Scheme.

To prepare athletes for the 2028 Olympics, the state government has launched the ‘Rajasthan Target Olympic Podium Scheme’, modelled on the Central government’s Olympic preparation programme.

Under the scheme, 50 talented athletes from Rajasthan will be identified and provided with world-class coaching, scientific training, sports kits, nutritional support and other modern facilities.

Selected athletes will also receive a monthly out-of-pocket allowance of Rs 25,000 to support their training and preparation.

As part of the initiative, a Rajasthan Centre of Excellence will be established in Jaipur, where athletes will have access to international-standard infrastructure and training facilities.

The scheme specifically targets athletes who are not currently covered under the Central government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). Notably, 20 per cent of the seats under the programme have been reserved for para-athletes.

To ensure transparency and effective implementation, the government has constituted the Rajasthan Mission Olympic Committee and the State Talent Search and Development Committee to monitor athlete selection and performance.

The Rajasthan government has also strengthened its policy of out-of-turn appointments for outstanding sportspersons to provide long-term career security to athletes bringing laurels to the state.

So far, 186 medal-winning athletes have been appointed to various state government positions on the basis of their sporting achievements.

Among the prominent sportspersons benefiting under the policy are cricketer Ravi Bishnoi, shooter Manini Kaushik, equestrian athlete Divyakriti Singh and kabaddi player Sachin, all of whom have been appointed as Deputy Superintendents in the Rajasthan Police Service.

Para-shooter Mona Agarwal has also been appointed as Lecturer (Physical Education) under the sports quota.

In another major step, the government has sanctioned financial assistance exceeding Rs 40.12 crore for 1,786 athletes who have excelled at national and international sporting events.

Officials said the grants were intended to help athletes access better training facilities and prepare for future competitions without financial hardship.

Prioritising athlete welfare and security, the state government has also introduced a Sports Life Insurance Scheme.

Under the initiative, international medal-winning athletes are being provided accident and life insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh. Financial assistance is also being extended to athletes for the purchase of advanced sports equipment and training resources.

The government said these initiatives would not only strengthen Rajasthan’s Olympic ambitions but also help establish a sustainable sports ecosystem supporting athletes both during and after their sporting careers.

–IANS

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