Bonanza for Telangana sportspersons

Telangana govt hikes emoluments to boost morale of athletes

Hyderabad: The New Year is ringing in the best possible financial bonanza for sportspersons from Telangana State, thanks to the magnanimous largesse of the State Government that has literally reduced the earlier sports policy look like a poor-man’s luxury.In a major decision, a GO has been issued by the YAT&C (Youth Services & Sports) whereupon financial emoluments for medal winnings sportspersons and their coaches have been enhanced to such massive levels that the policy could be the envy of other States, at least on this count.

In a way, the policy revision has been timed to perfection. With this being the Olympic Year, the enhancement should come as a major morale-booster to the athletes who are eyeing a podium finish at Rio.It augurs well in the sense that if earlier a gold medallist at Olympics was eligible for Rs 25 lakh as cash reward, a Telangana State athlete who has such a finish (it is not likely, as things stand) at Rio will get a whopping Rs two crore!

Youth Affairs Secretary B Venkatesham, pointed out in a release here on Monday that the revision has been effected in order to bolster the spirit of the athletes competing at any level, including Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, Paralympics, Special Olympics, SAF Games, National Games and even chess International and Grand Masters.

The parameters are different, which is quite expected given the nature of each discipline, but the very fact that the sportspersons can expect to land with a windfall will be reason enough to serve as a motivational factor. That the coaches (ever the unsung heroes) will be suitably rewarded is a welcome development.The government has tried to be different with its decision not to allot any house pattas or lands to the achievers and those who symbolize excellence in sports.

By reiterating that only financial emoluments will be given away, the State Government has shown that it means business. One is certain that the revision will have a major impact on the next generation of talents, who could seriously consider taking sports as a well-paying career option. This also will hopefully propel the decision to include sports in school curriculums.

A major positive in the structural change is that the government has not forgotten those into non-Olympic disciplines and those pursued by youngsters in the interiors. Extension of financial grants based on economic strata should be taken in the right spirit, including those enrolled in sports schools across the districts.By placing the Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Sports Authority of Telangana State (SATS) as one responsible for the list and recommendation of names, the government has played its cards rather smartly.

After all, someone ought to accountable to bring about transparency. The latest initiative is likely silence all those who cried foul when Sania Mirza was made the Brand Ambassador of Telangana State!