171 more athletes added to govt allowance scheme

The government has expanded its athlete allowance programme, bringing an additional 171 athletes under the scheme in its second phase, raising the total number of beneficiaries to 300.

At a ceremony held at the National Sports Council auditorium, State Minister for Sports Aminul Haque handed over monthly allowances of Tk 1,00,000 along with sports cards to the newly included athletes.

Among the latest recipients are 36 members of the national men’s and women’s football teams. The newly formed national women’s hockey team has also been included for the first time and is set to leave for Indonesia tonight to participate in the Asian Games qualifiers.

The initiative is also recognising emerging talents with international success.

Junior badminton players Sifat Ullah and Nazmul Islam, who won gold in boys’ doubles at the South Asian Regional Junior Badminton Championship in Pakistan, received Tk 1,00,000 each along with sports cards.

Under a long-term plan, the government aims to include a total of 500 athletes from various disciplines in the programme.

However, the allowance will not be permanent, as the list will be reviewed and updated every four months based on performance.

The programme was launched on March 30, when 129 athletes were initially brought under the scheme. Officials say the initiative is designed to ensure financial stability for athletes and establish sports as a viable professional career.