In a bid to encourage North-Eastern athletes to perform better in the national and international events, Union Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has announced a slew of measures taken as part of the revised sports policy.
"Air travel has been allowed for coaching camps and competitions held in the North-East Region. Similarly, the athletes from the North-East Region will be allowed air travel from their residence/coaching camps to and from Kolkata," said Sonowal while addressing media in Guwahati.
Sonowal further said that the government had been trying its best to enhance the performance of Indian players for the Rio Olympics in 2016.
With an aim to promote and improve the quality of 'traditional tournaments', Sonowal announced a new provision of assistance of up to Rs. 5 lakh each for such events. In addition, an assistance of Rs. 25 lakh will be available for holding prestigious tournaments in India.
According to the revised norms, the amount earmarked for holding national championships has been revised.