The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons (PDUNWFS) is a flagship welfare initiative of the Government of India designed to support meritorious sportspersons, coaches, and their dependent families who are facing financial hardship. The scheme provides financial assistance ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh, ensuring that athletes who once brought glory to the nation are not left unsupported in times of need. 

Objectives of the Scheme 

The scheme aims to provide comprehensive welfare support through the following measures: 

1. Assistance for Injuries During Training or Competitions 

Financial support is provided to sportspersons who suffer injuries while training or competing, based on the severity and nature of the injury. 

2. Medical Assistance 

Eligible sportspersons and their dependent family members may receive financial aid for medical treatment. 

3. Support for Sportspersons in Indigent Circumstances 

The scheme helps alleviate financial distress among sportspersons and their families by offering assistance for essential needs, training, equipment, and participation in competitions. 

4. Support for Training and Participation 

Athletes living in difficult circumstances may receive assistance for training expenses, procurement of sports equipment, and participation in national or international events. 

5. Discretionary Support 

The General Committee may approve assistance for deserving cases even if they fall outside the standard eligibility criteria. 

Benefits of this scheme 

1. Assistance to sportspersons living in indigent circumstances:  

• Lumpsum financial assistance up to a maximum of Rs. 5 lakhs may be granted to an outstanding sportsperson now living in indigent circumstances. 

• In addition to this, a provision of monthly pension of Rs. 5000/- (Rupees five thousand) may be provided to those yesteryears meritorious sportspersons now living in extreme poverty. 

2. Assistance for injuries sustained during training for and participation in Sports competitions:  

• Lumpsum financial assistance subject to a maximum of Rs. 10 lakh may be granted to an outstanding sportsperson for injuries sustained during training for and participation in sports competitions. 

3. Assistance to Families of deceased Outstanding Sportspersons:  

• A lump sum exgratia financial assistance, not exceeding Rs. 5.00 lakh in each case, may be provided to the families of deceased outstanding sportspersons living in indigent circumstances. 

4. Medical Treatment Assistance 

Financial assistance not exceeding Rs.10 lakh may be provided for medical treatment of an outstanding sportsperson or any of his/her family members living in need. 

5. Assistance to coaches, support personnel, umpires, referees and match officials 

• Lumpsum financial assistance, not exceeding Rs. 2 lakh may be provided to coaches and support personnel such as sports doctors, sports psychologists, sports mentor, physiotherapists, masseurs who have been attached with national coaching camps for senior category players and national teams (senior category), and umpires, referees and match officials, who have been associated with recognized national championships (senior category) and international tournaments(senior category) in the sports disciplines included in Olympic 

Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games who are living in indigent circumstances or to family members of such deceased support personnel living in indigent circumstances. 

6. Discretionary powers to the Chairperson of the General Committee:  

• The Chairperson of the General Committee may sanction the assistance, in deserving cases, even to those who technically are non-eligible, considering full facts and circumstances for each case and for reasons to be recorded in writing.  

• The Chairperson also has the authority to determine the amount of assistance based on the circumstances. 

This scheme stands as a testament to the nation’s commitment to honoring and supporting the athletes and professionals who have contributed to India’s sporting legacy. 

Please visit following URL and contact local department of sports for more information. 

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund For Sportspersons 

If you have latest status, additional information, experience or suggestions for this scheme then please add comments below with more information. 

Disclaimer – The information provided here is sourced from official government websites and is intended for general reference only. We will continue to consult relevant authorities and qualified professionals and update this page as new information becomes available.