New Delhi, May 1 (PTI) Sports Minister M S Gill today sanctioned an aid of Rs 1.50 lakh for former chess player Nasar Ali Syed from the National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons. "Dr M S Gill, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports has sanctioned an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh from National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons to Nasar Ali Syed, a former chess player who is living in indigent condition," a Ministry release said.
Syed had played chess at national and international level from 1967-1969. "Taking into consideration his financial position, the Sports Minister has sanctioned ex-gratia payment of Rs 1.50 lakh to Syed," the release said.
Under the Scheme of National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons, the Ministry provides lump sum financial assistance to outstanding sportspersons of the past, who are facing financial distress. During the last three years, the Ministry has extended ex-gratia financial assistance to 18 former sportspersons living in indigent circumstances, the release said.
