UP’s government has launched a significant initiative to bolster sports scholarships, allocating substantial funds to support aspiring athletes. The program aims to nurture talent, enhance training facilities, and provide financial aid to young sportspersons across the state. This move is set to empower athletes, promote sports culture, and elevate UP’s presence in national and international competitions.
Uttar Pradesh Enhances Support for Aspiring Athletes
The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled a transformative initiative to strengthen the state’s sports ecosystem by significantly increasing funding for sports scholarships. Announced in early August 2025, this program aims to identify and nurture young athletic talent, ensuring they have access to world-class training facilities, coaching, and financial support to pursue their dreams.
Under this initiative, the state has allocated a budget of ₹500 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, a 30% increase from the previous year’s sports budget. The funds will support scholarships for athletes aged 14 to 25, covering disciplines such as athletics, wrestling, hockey, badminton, and emerging sports like kabaddi and kho-kho. The program prioritizes athletes from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, offering stipends ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per month based on performance and potential.
A key component of the initiative is the establishment of 10 new sports academies across UP, with advanced facilities in cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, and Meerut. These academies will provide specialized training, nutrition programs, and mentorship from former national and international athletes. The government has also partnered with private sports organizations to ensure access to cutting-edge equipment and technology, such as biomechanical analysis tools for performance optimization.
The scholarship program includes a merit-based selection process, with trials conducted at district and state levels. Over 5,000 athletes are expected to benefit in the first phase, with priority given to those who have represented UP in national competitions or shown exceptional promise in state-level tournaments. The initiative also introduces a “Sports Talent Search” campaign, targeting rural areas to discover hidden talent.
To ensure transparency, the application process for scholarships is now fully digitized, accessible through a dedicated portal launched by the UP Sports Department. Athletes can apply online, submit performance records, and track their application status. The portal also provides resources like training tips and nutritional guidance, making it a comprehensive support platform.
The government’s push aligns with UP’s ambition to become a sports powerhouse. In 2024, UP athletes won 68 medals at national championships, a 15% increase from 2023. The new funding aims to double this tally by 2027, with a focus on Olympic and Asian Games disciplines. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the state’s commitment, stating, “Our goal is to make UP a hub for sports excellence, empowering every athlete to compete globally.”
Additionally, the initiative includes incentives for coaches, with ₹5 crore allocated for training and certification programs. This ensures that athletes receive high-quality guidance, addressing a critical gap in the state’s sports infrastructure. Women athletes will also benefit from targeted programs, with 40% of scholarships reserved for female sportspersons to promote gender equality in sports.
The move has been widely praised by sports bodies and former athletes. Olympian wrestler Sushil Kumar called it a “game-changer for UP’s sports landscape,” highlighting how financial support can alleviate the burdens faced by young athletes. However, challenges remain, including the need for better grassroots infrastructure and timely disbursement of funds to avoid bureaucratic delays.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent announcements from the Uttar Pradesh government and insights from sports officials, as reported in local media and official statements. Data on medal tallies and budget allocations are sourced from the UP Sports Department and may be subject to updates. For the latest information, refer to official government portals.