New Eklavya scheme for ST sportspersons
PANAJI
The Goa government has allocated Rs 251 crore to the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in the 2026-27 State Budget, with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant releasing a series of measures to boost sports infrastructure and widen access to training opportunities for young athletes.
To promote greater participation in sports and improve the utilisation of existing facilities, the government has proposed to allow local clubs and sports associations to use indoor and outdoor playgrounds and stadiums in their respective areas.
Sawant said several sports infrastructure projects across the State will be completed this year at a total cost of Rs 33.77 crore. These include a sports complex at Madkai, a football ground at Sao Jose de Areal, a village school ground at Curtorim, a jogging track at Fatorda, a school playground at Vaddem-Sanguem, a playground at Kudchade and a school ground at Cumbharjua.
The government will also begin development works on various playgrounds during the current financial year, with an expenditure of Rs 61.31 crore.
The CM also proposed a new initiative -- the Eklavya Sports Promotion Scheme -- for supporting talented sportspersons from the Scheduled Tribe community in Goa who are training at reputed sports academies and centres across India. The scheme has been allocated Rs 50 lakh in the Budget.
