In order to boost some prominent disciplines which are yet to start a league of their own, the Union Sports Ministry has approved an annual National prize money tournament for archery, boxing and wrestling from this year.
Top eight athletes of the country in each discipline will be eligible to participate in the competition, which will be funded by the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF).
“The NSDF has already approved it. The total prize money will be Rs. 5 crore for each discipline and competitions will be held in senior (men), junior and women’s events. If someone in the top eight is not available, then the next best ranked athlete will be eligible to participate. This will promote the sports and also test the bench strength,” said Sports Secretary Ajit Sharan.