Amid Performance Crisis, Historic Financial Incentive Announced For Indian Hockey Players

Indian hockey players have been reeling under poor performances in both the men’s and women’s division as is evident from the ongoing FIH Pro League. In order to plug in the gaps, the Indian government has announced an incentive to boost the confidence of the players. 

For the first time, Indian hockey players selected for the men’s and women’s national camps will receive a monthly out-of-pocket allowance Rs 25,000.

Eighty Indian hockey players (40 men and 40 women) are set to benefit from this allowance, which is extended to athletes in the developmental group of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).

This allowance will cost the government Rs 20 lakh per month, while core group athletes receive Rs 50,000 per month.

“The allowance was being requested by Hockey India for some time, and we have decided to accept the demand. The players have performed reasonably well, and it is on merit,” Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya told reporters.

Hockey India will need to submit a list of players every month to facilitate the disbursement of funds.

“The list will consider form and fitness, and names might change depending on these factors,” a sports ministry source explained.

Currently, hockey players earn salaries from their respective departments and organisations. Additionally, they earn from the prize money they receive for strong international showing in events like the Olympics and the Asian Games.

Also Read: Indian Men’s Hockey Team Announced For FIH Pro League European Leg

A proposal for a graded contract system of Indian hockey players by Hockey India has been under consideration for the past few years.

The men’s team has secured two consecutive bronze medals in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and the subsequent Paris Games last year. The women’s team finished fourth in Tokyo but did not qualify for the Paris event.

Both teams are currently competing in the FIH Pro League’s European leg, where the results have been underwhelming so far.