#Title Financial security: The programme is designed to turn sports into a viable career path, easing the financial burden on athletes’ families. Diverse representation: The initial phase covers 20 different disciplines, ranging from sepak takraw to carom and yoga. Inclusive approach: Para-athletes are being given “highest importance” in this scheme, acknowledging their recent international achievements. Merit-based & equal: Allowances are uniform across all sports to ensure equal respect; however, status and performance will be reviewed every four months. Expansion plans: The scheme will soon grow to include 500 beneficiaries, alongside the launch of the ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ initiative in April to scout grassroots talent aged 12–14 across all 64 districts. When sports become a profession, families gain security. With this vision, we are bringing national-level athletes under an allowance programme to ensure they can focus entirely on their performance… It will be a satisfactory figure that will motivate athletes to perform better, while also encouraging families to support their children in sports.

When sports become a profession, families gain security. With this vision, we are bringing national-level athletes under an allowance programme to ensure they can focus entirely on their performance… It will be a satisfactory figure that will motivate athletes to perform better, while also encouraging families to support their children in sports.

Aminul Haque, State Minister for Youth and Sports

National athletes set for financial boost

SPORTS REPORTER

Youth and Sports state minister Aminul Haque yesterday announced 129 national athletes will begin receiving a monthly financial allowance. The support will be officially inaugurated during Monday’s ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office, where honorary ‘Sports Cards’ will also be distributed to those who achieved international success in 2025. While cricketers are largely excluded due to their existing financial stability, the scheme is expected to expand rapidly to support 500 athletes across various disciplines, including para-sports and grassroots talents.