NEC Sports Initiative launched

Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Bijoy Krishna Handique, as Chairman of North East Council (NEC), has approved cash awards to the sportspersons from the North Eastern Region who excel in international and national sports. This is part of a new programme launched by him, the “NEC Sports Initiative”.
The cash awards are: For Olympic Games - Rs.40 lakh, Rs.20 lakh and Rs. 10 lakh for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal winners respectively; For Asian/ Commonwealth Games - Rs.10 lacs, Rs.5 lacs and Rs.3 lacs for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal winners respectively; For National Games - Rs.3 lacs, Rs.2 lacs and Rs.1 lac for Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal Winners respectively, a DoNER press communiqué informs.
This benefit is in addition to the existing ones that are extended by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare so that talented persons from this region get further motivated to perform well in the sports arena, the release adds. This benefit will also be extended to those sportspersons from the region who excelled in the games held in 2010-11 as well.

The NEC Sports Initiative will also emphasise on the scouting of young talents by extending infrastructure, training and other facilities with a long term plan for sports development. Mr. Handique, adds, “This initiative is a part of our ongoing efforts for promotion of youth in the Region through Culture, Music and Sports. Sports infrastructure and facilities in the rural belts are integral to the development of young talent in the Region. It is our endeavour to ascertain that this is possible now. We have already charted out the modalities of this plan and will soon inform the State Level Agencies regarding its implementation. The programme will benefit young talents who can avail the opportunity to excel in their own disciplines.”  
The initiative will be implemented in participation with different agencies like State Sports Councils/ Authority, State Sports Departments and Sports Authority of India (SAI).