Union Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman gave over Rs 300 crore raise to India’s sports budget for the
2022-2023 fiscal year. Sitharaman presented the union budget for the
upcoming fiscal year on Tuesday in the parliament. India’s annual sports budget
now stands at Rs 2902 crore from Rs 2596.14 crore for the 2021-2022 fiscal
year.
Also Read: India Union Budget 2022: Key announcements for the Auto industry
The 62-year-old finance minister did not discuss
sports in her budget presentation, but later in a press release, the finance
ministry mentioned a hike of Rs 305 core for sports. Last year, the sports
budget was cut by Rs 230 crore.
Also Read: At 1 hour and 32 minutes, FM Nirmala Sitharaman makes her shortest budget speech
The latest hike came after India
clinched seven medals, including a gold medal in athletics, at the Tokyo
Olympics which is India’s highest medal tally at the Olympics. This year, India
will compete in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games before Paris 2024. The hike
will be beneficial for India’s preparations in the build-up to the Paris
Olympics. The CWG is scheduled to be
held in July-August while the Asiad will be held in September.
Also Read: Who was hockey player Charanjit Singh?
Allocation for the National Youth
Empowerment Programme has also been increased this year. Last year Rs 108 crore
was spent on it, whereas this time Rs 138 crore has been given. Khelo India
programme’s budget has also been altered. Last year, it was Rs 657.71 crore, after a reduction of Rs 232.71 crore, and now it has been increased to Rs 974 crore.
In the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the government had allocated Rs 2826.92 crore for sports, which was later revised to Rs 1800.15 crore because of the lack of activity caused by the pandemic.
Also Read: Neeraj Chopra gives thanks for Param Vishisht Seva Medal and Padma Shri
The government’s spending in 2020 was severely affected after Tokyo Olympics was postponed, domestic events were cancelled in almost all sports and no foreign training and competition were possible for most of the Indian athletes.
The sports ministry bears the cost of all foreign training and competition, including participation in the Olympics.
