Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Program for Sportspersons

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Program for Sportspersons: Up to ₹10 Lakh in Support for Athletes in Need

A sporting career can end with an injury, a medical emergency or years of financial strain. The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Program for Sportspersons offers eligible athletes, their families, coaches and support staff financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh, paid directly to their bank accounts.

What is the scheme?

The programme began in March 1982 as the National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons. It was renamed the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons (PDUNWFS) in September 2017 and revised again on 10 October 2023. The Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, runs it.

It supports outstanding sportspersons in financial hardship, athletes injured in training or competition, and eligible family members who need medical help. In specified cases it also helps with training, equipment and participation in national or international events.

This is a financial assistance programme. It is separate from the Scheme of Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons, which pays monthly pensions to eligible medal winners.

Scheme at a glance

How much can you get?

These are maximum limits, not guaranteed amounts. The competent authority decides each case on eligibility, documents and circumstances.

In deserving cases, the Sports Minister may approve up to ₹20 lakh, even if the applicant doesn’t meet the usual conditions, provided the reasons are recorded in writing. You must also disclose any assistance received from other sources for the same purpose.

Who is eligible?

• Income: applicants or their families must generally have no income or earn less than ₹8 lakh a year from all sources to count as in financial hardship, subject to the category.
• Retired sportspersons must meet the achievement criteria, such as winning medals at recognised national-level competitions or taking part in specified senior-level international events.
• Families of deceased outstanding sportspersons can apply if they meet the conditions.
• Sportspersons who can’t afford medical treatment can apply for themselves or their eligible dependants.
• Injured athletes, including eligible junior and sub-junior players, can apply.
• Athletes whose parents face financial difficulty, or who belong to de-recognised, suspended or unrecognised federations, may qualify for training and equipment help.
• Coaches and support staff must meet the requirements for service at national coaching camps, recognised national championships or other specified events.

Not eligible: regular employees of Central, State or UT governments, their public sector undertakings and government autonomous bodies.

Meeting these conditions does not guarantee assistance.

Documents required

Requirements vary by the type of assistance.

• Proof of date of birth
• Sports achievement certificates
• Income certificate from a competent authority
• Medical reports and treatment documents, for treatment or injury claims
• Details of assistance received from other sources for the same purpose, if any
• Death certificate and proof of relationship or dependency, for family applications
• Proof of adoption, if an adopted child claims as a dependant
• Bank account details

Check the latest application form and guidelines, since more documents may be needed in some cases.

How to apply

1. Open the DBT-YAS portal.
2. New users click the registration option and enter their details.
3. Log in with your registered mobile number and OTP, choosing the Sportsperson login where applicable.
4. Find the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Program for Sportspersons and select your category: financial hardship, medical treatment, sports injury or training assistance.
5. Fill in your personal details, sports achievements, income information and bank details, making sure they match your documents.
6. Upload the required documents and review everything.
7. Submit, and save your application number or acknowledgement.
8. The Ministry examines the case, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) or another designated agency may verify the information.
9. If approved, the money is transferred to your bank account by DBT. Check status on the portal and watch for SMS updates.

Timeline: The guidelines target 45 working days for a decision, with SAI verification targeted within 10 working days. Actual time depends on verification and the case.

Need help?

• Toll-free helpline: 1800-202-5155 / 1800-258-5155 (Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 8 PM)
• Scheme queries: section.sp4-moyas@gov.in
• Technical queries: dbt.sports@gov.in
• DBT Cell: 011-23387432 / 011-23385101
• Address: Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi 110001
• Office hours (DBT Cell enquiries): Mon to Fri, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, excluding public holidays
• Website: yas.gov.in

Related schemes

• Scheme of Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons: monthly pensions for eligible medal winners
• ONGC Sports Scholarship Scheme: scholarships and sports-related assistance for eligible athletes

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum assistance?
Up to ₹10 lakh for medical treatment or sports injuries. The Sports Minister can approve up to ₹20 lakh in deserving cases.

Is there an income limit?
Generally below ₹8 lakh a year from all sources, depending on the category.

Can the family of a deceased sportsperson apply?
Yes, for up to ₹5 lakh, subject to the scheme’s conditions.

Can coaches and support staff get help?
Yes: up to ₹2 lakh under the welfare category and up to ₹4 lakh for medical treatment.

Is there an application fee?
No.

How is the money paid?
By DBT to your bank account.

How long does it take?
The target is 45 working days, though it can vary.