The government is set to open a new horizon in the country’s sports sector by introducing a monthly allowance program to ensure the financial security of athletes who have brought success on the international stage. In the first phase, 129 national athletes will be brought under this scheme, which is expected to serve as a major incentive not only for the players but also for the entire sports ecosystem.
The official launch of the program will take place on Monday at the Prime Minister’s Office in the capital. During the event, selected athletes will also be awarded honorary “Sports Cards,” according to Youth and Sports State Minister Aminul Haq.
These athletes, who achieved success in international competitions in 2025, have been selected from various disciplines, including archery, boxing, yoga, gymnastics, swimming, athletics, karate, sepak takraw, futsal, kabaddi, volleyball, badminton, and more. Para-athletes, who have recently achieved notable international success, have also been given special priority.
The minister stated that the main goal of this initiative is to ensure financial stability for athletes and encourage families to consider sports as a viable profession. “When sports becomes a profession, it brings security to families. That is why we are bringing national athletes under this allowance program,” he said.
Although 129 athletes are included in the first phase, the number will be increased soon. Within a week, more athletes from different disciplines will be added, with plans to include around 500 athletes initially. Cricketers have not been included in the list, as they are comparatively financially well-off, the minister added.
All athletes will receive the same allowance, although the exact amount will be announced at the launch event. Their performance will be evaluated every four months to motivate them to improve further.
The minister also emphasized transparency in the selection process, stating, “All sports are equally important to us. Athletes have been selected through a fair evaluation process, and everyone will receive equal respect and benefits.”
Additionally, the government plans to launch a program called “New Buds Sports” to discover grassroots talent. The initiative is expected to begin at the end of April, initially targeting children aged 12 to 14 across 64 districts, and later expanding to rural areas.
