Has Delhi CM Established a New Department for Sports and Youth Affairs?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- New Department for Sports and Youth Affairs established in Delhi.
- Focus on nurturing young athletes through dedicated support.
- Olympic medalists to receive substantial cash awards.
- Government job opportunities for athletes introduced.
- Stadiums to be renovated with advanced facilities.
New Delhi, Aug 7 (NationPress) Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the formation of a new, dedicated Department for Sports and Youth Affairs in Delhi on Thursday.
“This department will focus exclusively on supporting and developing the potential of young athletes throughout the city. Our sportspersons merit more than mere applause - they require infrastructure, respect, and ongoing institutional backing,” she stated.
The Chief Minister made this announcement while engaging with children from the Delhi Olympic Association, various government schools, and sports training facilities, who had gathered at the Delhi Legislative Assembly to express gratitude for her forward-thinking initiatives that benefit young athletes and talented students in the national capital.
She introduced the plan to establish sports coaching centers across Delhi to guarantee that no athlete is overlooked due to insufficient access or resources.
“Every child in Delhi, regardless of their background, will now have the opportunity to receive professional training and strive for their sporting aspirations,” she affirmed.
Delhi Sports Minister Ashish Sood was also present at the gathering.
While addressing the young attendees, the Chief Minister articulated her vision of empowering every child in Delhi to become self-sufficient, confident, and inspired.
She reflected on her initial days in office, noting her deep appreciation for the commitment of Delhi’s athletes, who, despite their determination, lacked sufficient recognition and institutional support.
“To rectify this, we have introduced the most advanced sports policy in the nation,” she mentioned.
Under this new framework, the Chief Minister announced that Olympic medalists from Delhi would be awarded ₹7 crore for gold, ₹5 crore for silver, and ₹3 crore for bronze, the most substantial cash prizes provided by any Indian state. Furthermore, athletes will now qualify for Grade A, B, and C government jobs, securing long-term career prospects.
“These measures are essential tools to empower our youth and assist them in pursuing their dreams with dignity and support. Our stadiums, which have long been neglected, will also undergo renovations to include state-of-the-art facilities, and the newly established department will oversee all such advancements,” she elaborated.
Sood commended the Chief Minister’s vision, stating, “Recognizing talent is crucial, but nurturing it with unwavering commitment is what distinguishes exceptional governments.”
The establishment of the Dedicated Department for Sports and Youth Affairs, along with the launch of Delhi’s most ambitious sports policy, signifies a transformative step that will elevate Delhi to the forefront of sporting excellence and youth empowerment in India, he concluded.