In a bid to nurture sporting talent, Uttar Pradesh has significantly increased funding for sports scholarships in 2025, aiming to support young athletes across diverse disciplines. The enhanced schemes offer financial aid, training, and infrastructure access, targeting both rural and urban talent. This move aligns with the state’s vision to produce world-class athletes while promoting inclusivity and grassroots development.
Uttar Pradesh Enhances Sports Scholarships for Aspiring Athletes
In a landmark move to bolster sports development, the Uttar Pradesh government has ramped up its sports scholarship programs in 2025, channeling substantial funds to support young athletes across the state. The initiative, backed by a budget increase of over 30% compared to 2024, aims to provide financial assistance, advanced training facilities, and mentorship to budding sportspersons, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
The revamped scholarship schemes, administered by the Uttar Pradesh Sports Department, now cover a wider range of sports, including cricket, hockey, athletics, wrestling, and emerging disciplines like kabaddi and kho-kho. According to official announcements, the state has allocated approximately ₹150 crore for sports development this fiscal year, with a significant portion dedicated to scholarships. This includes monthly stipends ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000, depending on the athlete’s level of achievement and financial need, alongside grants for equipment and travel to national and international competitions.
A key feature of the 2025 program is its focus on grassroots talent. The government has introduced district-level talent scouting initiatives, partnering with schools and local sports academies to identify promising athletes as young as 10 years old. These athletes are eligible for scholarships under the “Khelo UP” campaign, which emphasizes inclusivity by reserving 40% of funds for female athletes and those from rural areas. In 2024, over 2,000 athletes benefited from these scholarships, and officials expect this number to rise to 3,500 by the end of 2025.
The state has also upgraded its sports infrastructure to complement the scholarship program. New training centers in Lucknow, Varanasi, and Meerut are equipped with modern facilities, including synthetic tracks, wrestling arenas, and biomechanics labs. These centers will offer free access to scholarship recipients, ensuring they receive world-class coaching. Additionally, tie-ups with national sports federations will provide athletes with exposure to elite training camps and international coaches.
The scholarship program also addresses academic needs, allowing student-athletes to balance education and sports. Recipients pursuing higher education can avail additional grants for tuition fees and study materials, a move praised by educationists and sports administrators alike. “This holistic approach ensures our athletes are not just physically prepared but also equipped for life beyond sports,” said a senior official from the UP Sports Department.
To ensure transparency, the application process has been digitized, with an online portal launched in August 2025. Athletes can apply by submitting performance records, income certificates, and recommendation letters from coaches. A state-level committee, comprising former Olympians and sports officials, evaluates applications to ensure merit-based selection. So far, over 10,000 applications have been received, with processing expected to conclude by November 2025.
The initiative has drawn praise from sports icons like Olympic medalist Neeraj Chopra, who lauded UP’s efforts to create a robust ecosystem for athletes. However, challenges remain, including the need for better outreach in remote areas and addressing delays in fund disbursement, which affected some athletes in previous years. The government has promised to streamline these processes, with regular audits to ensure accountability.
The enhanced scholarships are already showing results. At the recent National Junior Athletics Championships, UP athletes secured 15 medals, with several crediting state support for their success. As Uttar Pradesh aims to become a sporting powerhouse, these scholarships are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping India’s next generation of champions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent announcements and reports from the Uttar Pradesh Sports Department, news articles from credible sources, and official government statements. Information is accurate as of September 2025, but details may change as new updates emerge. Readers are advised to verify eligibility and application processes through official channels.