Scheme of Pension for Eminent Sports Persons

Description
The scheme “Scheme of Pension for Eminent Sports Persons” was launched by the Department of Sports, Government of Punjab to provide pensions to eminent veteran sportsmen who have excelled at the International level during their youth and made the nation proud. This is one of the most important schemes of Punjab State Sports Council in the realm of sports. It has been designed to give a clear-cut message to all those talented sportspersons who want to become champions at the International level that the Punjab State Sports Council would back appreciation of their achievements with concrete lifetime assistance in the form of pension. The need for assured monthly income through annuity for outstanding sports persons has become imperative due to the fact that sports persons spend the prime of their youth in pursuit of intensive training, sacrificing other beneficial opportunities normally available. The assured monthly income will be compensation for the opportunities spurned by them in pursuit of their high ambition and achievement in sports. Duration of Pension: The award of pension under this scheme shall be for life and after their death their wives/husbands or old parents as the case may be, will be entitled for the pension continuously.

Benefits
• The amount of pension for participation in competitions at various levels shall be as under:
• The payment will be sent to the pensioners through cross Bank Cheque into their Bank Accounts.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The candidates seeking pension under this scheme should have represented National teams in the following competitions:-
2. • Olympic Games
3. • Official World Cup
4. • Commonwealth Games
5. • Asian Games
6. • Davis Cup in Tennis
7. • Test matches/one day international in cricket
8. This benefit shall be admissible to candidates who attain the age of 40 years.
9. All the veteran sportsmen/women belonging to Punjab (Punjab Domicile) who have brought laurels to the National/State will be eligible for pension from the Punjab State Sports Council, irrespective of the fact whether they have represented the State of Punjab in National Games or not, before participation in the above mentioned international games.
10. The veteran sportsmen/women getting any sports pension from Govt. of India will also be eligible for pension under this scheme from Punjab State Sports Council.

Required Documents
• A copy of Identity proof
• Passport-size photograph
• Proof of age
• Bank passbook
• Documents supporting sports achievements
• Any other relevant documents, as required

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the “Scheme of Pension for Eminent Sports Persons”?
A: The scheme aims to provide clear and tangible support to talented sports individuals striving to achieve excellence at the international level, assuring them of lifetime assistance in the form of a pension from the Punjab State Sports Council.

Q: Who is eligible for pension under this scheme?
A: Individuals who have represented National teams in competitions such as Olympic Games, Official World Cup, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, Davis Cup in Tennis, and Test matches/one day internationals in cricket are eligible.

Q: What is the age criterion for availing the pension benefit?
A: The benefit becomes admissible to candidates who attain the age of 40 years.

Q: Is the scheme exclusive to those who represented Punjab in National Games?
A: No, the scheme extends to all veteran sportsmen/women from Punjab, irrespective of whether they have represented the state in National Games, provided they have brought laurels to the National/State.

Q: Can individuals receiving sports pension from the Government of India apply for this scheme?
A: Yes, veteran sportsmen/women already receiving sports pension from the Government of India are also eligible for pension under this scheme.

Q: What is the duration of the pension?
A: The award of pension under this scheme shall be for life and after their death their wives/husbands or old parents as the case may be, will be entitled for the pension continuously.

Q: How can one apply for pension under this scheme?
A: Candidates must obtain the prescribed application form, available free of cost from the District Sports Officers, and submit the filled form with supporting certificates to the concerned District Sports Officer cum-Secretary, District Sports Council.

Q: What documents are required to support my application?
A: The application should be accompanied by requisite certificates. These certificates might include documents supporting your sports achievements or other criteria specified in the application form.