among persons with disabilities, sports for peace and development and promotion of rural and
      indigenous/tribal games.
      Promotion of Excellence in Sports
      Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations
           Under this Scheme, the Government of India provides assistance to National Sports
      Federations (NSFs) for conducting national championships and international tournaments,
      participation in international tournaments abroad, organizing coaching camps, procuring sports
      equipment, engagement of foreign coaches, etc.
      Scheme of Human Resources Development in Sports
           The Scheme of Human Resource Development in Sports, was launched in the 2013-14 after
      thorough revision of the “Scheme of Talent Search and Training”. The main focus of the Scheme
      is to give emphasis on the academic and intellectual side of sports management by awarding
      Fellowships to deserving candidates for specialized studies at Masters’ and Doctoral level, The
      Scheme also extends financial assistance for training / seminars / conferences / workshops and
      short-term courses for coaches technical and support staff at national and international level.
      National Sports Development Fund
           The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) was instituted with a view to mobilizing
      resources from the government as well as non-governmental sources, including the
      private/corporate sector and non-resident Indians, for promotion of sports and games in the
      country. To make contributions to the fund attractive, 100 per cent exemption from income tax is
      available on all contributions. The funds available under NSDF are used for promotion of sports
      in general and specific sports disciplines and individual sportspersons for achieving excellence at
      the national and international level in particular; imparting special training and coaching in
      relevant sport disciplines to sportspersons, coaches and sports specialists; to construct and
      maintain infrastructure as may be required for promotion of excellence in sports; to supply
      equipment to governmental and non-governmental organizations and individuals with a view to
      promoting excellence in sports; to identify problems and take up research and development
      studies for providing support to excellence in sports, etc.
      Incentive Schemes for Sportspersons
           Various schemes to give incentives to sportspersons to take up sports are also implemented
      by the Ministry.
      Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
           The Scheme was launched in 1991-92 with the objective of honouring sportspersons to
      enhance their general status and to give them greater dignity and place of honour in society.
      Under it, an amount of ₹ 7.5 lakh is given as award for the most spectacular and outstanding
      performance by a sportsperson over a period of four years immediately preceding the year in
      which award is to be given.
           For 2018, this award has been conferred upon Ms.Saikhom Mirabai Chanu for weightlifting
      and Shri Virat Kohli for cricket.