- Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports invites applications for National Sports Scholarship Scheme 2026–27; deadline July 31
- Young athletes aged 8–23 can receive ₹6,000 to ₹20,000 per month to pursue sporting excellence without financial hurdles
- Scheme aligns with India’s vision of nurturing world-class talent for the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games and other global events
- Eligible sportspersons urged to seize the opportunity and convert talent into podium success through sustained financial support
NE SPORTS BUREAU
CHENNAI, JULY 20
Every sporting champion begins with talent, but every champion also needs opportunity. In a major boost to India’s sporting ecosystem and its mission to create future Olympic and international medallists, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has invited applications for the National Sports Scholarship Scheme 2026–27, offering promising athletes monthly financial assistance to help them pursue excellence without being constrained by economic barriers.
The scholarship programme is aimed at identifying and nurturing talented sportspersons across the country by providing monthly financial assistance ranging from ₹6,000 to ₹20,000, depending on the athlete’s achievements and scholarship category.
Under the scheme, sportspersons aged between eight and 23 years are eligible to apply.
Applicants should have demonstrated outstanding performances at National or International competitions in priority sports disciplines. The prescribed educational qualification is 10+2 or its equivalent, although exceptional achievers may be considered for relaxation under the eligibility norms.
The initiative complements the Government of India’s sustained efforts to strengthen the country’s sporting ecosystem through programmes such as Khelo India, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and athlete-centric support mechanisms designed to prepare Indian sportspersons for success on the world stage.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has consistently emphasised that India is committed to creating a robust sports culture by identifying young talent early, providing scientific training, financial support and world-class infrastructure to enable athletes to realise their full potential.
Eligible athletes can submit their applications online through the Sports Authority of India (SAI) recruitment and scholarship portal before July 31, 2026.
Application
Aspiring athletes, coaches, parents, schools, sports academies and district sports associations have been encouraged to spread awareness about the scholarship so that deserving talent from every corner of the country can benefit from this opportunity.
With India steadily emerging as a global sporting force, the scholarship scheme seeks to ensure that promising athletes remain focused on performance, while financial support helps transform their sporting dreams into international achievements.
