Coronavirus: Food Corporation of India's monthly sports stipend on hold

Apart from ensuring the supply of food products at the right price, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) offers monthly stipends to young athletes from the rural and backward areas of the country in their bid to promote sports.

However, with the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic and the implementation of nation-wide lockdown, the FCI's sports scholarship has been put on hold.

In a conversation with The New Indian Express, former athlete Shiny Wilson, GM (Sports & PR) of FCI, South Zone, said, “The FCI has been giving stipends to deserving sportsmen for several years. Last year, about 150 athletes benefitted from the initiative. This year due to the lockdown, we are yet to put up the advertisement inviting applications for scholarship. We will do it shortly, after the lockdown is lifted."

Shiny Wilson (Indiacontent.in)

The FCI usually provides a monthly stipend of Rs 8,000 to Rs 15,000 to athletes between the age group of 15 to 24 and who rural and underprivileged backgrounds.

“Football, hockey, cricket (for boys), table tennis, badminton, weightlifting, athletics (boys & girls) are the sports we consider for stipends. Those who got it last year, did well and are eligible, will have them renewed,” said the Olympian, who specialised in 400m and 800m in her younger days."

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