Pension to Indigent Sportspersons

Pension to Indigent Sportspersons provides monthly financial support to former athletes of Odisha who are now living in indigent conditions. Eligible players receive ₹3,000 every month in their bank account, and fresh applications can still be submitted online through the official citizen portal in 2026.

This state-level pension is run by the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha. It helps aging, injured or incapacitated sportspersons who once represented the state in recognized sports and games but are now struggling to cover their daily needs.

Pension to Indigent Sportspersons - Introduction

Pension to Indigent Sportspersons is a helping scheme of the Government of Odisha for former players who brought pride to the state but now live in financial difficulty. A steady monthly pension allows these sportspersons to live with dignity and financial stability without depending on anyone for basic expenses.

The scheme covers sportspersons and martial artists of Odisha. Those who represented the state in recognized sporting disciplines at senior or junior level can apply. The pension continues as long as the beneficiary stays eligible and submits the required documents on time.

Key Information

Benefits

Eligible athletes receive ₹3,000 per month as a pension to support their living expenses. This amount is paid every month into the beneficiary's own bank account.

Pension to Surviving Spouse of a Deceased Pensioner

If a pensioner passes away, the surviving spouse may apply for the pension on a priority basis. The application must be supported by a death certificate and a legal heir certificate. The process for the spouse is the same as the primary applicant.

Mode of Payment

The state treasury transfers the pension directly to the beneficiary's bank account every month through e-Transfer. This keeps the payment clear and on time without any middleman.

Eligibility

To qualify for this pension, the applicant should meet the following conditions:

• Permanent residence: The applicant should be a permanent resident of Odisha.
• Age: Men should be at least 50 years old and women at least 40 years old. Former athletes who left sports early because of injury, physical handicap or serious illness can get a relaxation of up to 10 years, with a Medical Board Certificate.
• Sports record: The applicant should have represented Odisha in sporting disciplines recognized by the Sports & Youth Services Department as listed in Annexure-I of the guidelines.
• Income limit: Total annual income from all sources should not exceed ₹50,000. An Income Certificate from the relevant Revenue authority is required as proof.
• Clean record: The applicant should have no criminal convictions.

Important Note: Age is calculated as of the date of application. The department can stop the pension if the beneficiary is found to be no longer in an indigent condition or if the information given is fraudulent. In cases of fraud, the department may recover the funds with 18% annual interest.

Application Process

Applications for Pension to Indigent Sportspersons are accepted online through the official sports services portal of Odisha. Follow the steps below to apply:

STEP 1 - Visit the official application portal of the Odisha Sports & Youth Services Department.

STEP 2 - If you are a new user, click the Register link and create your account with the required details.

STEP 3 - After registration, sign in to your dashboard to view the available services.

STEP 4 - Select the Sports Services option and click OK to proceed.

STEP 5 - Fill in your profile details step by step and check your application status from the dashboard.

STEP 6 - Click the Apply Pension button on your dashboard and enter all required information accurately.

STEP 7 - Verify your data and click Save to submit the pension application. Keep a note of your application reference number for future tracking.

For additional help, check the Sports User Manual before submitting the form.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready before starting the online application:

• Aadhaar Card copy
• Birth Certificate
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Photocopy of bank passbook
• Disability Certificate, if applicable
• Proof of income
• Sports certificates or achievement certificates

Annual Life Certificate

Every year in January, the beneficiary should appear personally before the District Sports Officer (DSO) of the district and submit a Life Certificate as per Annexure-IV of the guidelines. The DSO must receive this certificate by 10th February so that the pension continues without any break.

References

Official Sports Pension Page | Latest Guidelines PDF | Pension Guidelines | Application Portal

FAQ's

What is the objective of this pension?

The objective is to provide financial support to aging or struggling former sportspersons of Odisha who are living in indigent conditions.

Which department oversees this scheme?

The Department of Sports & Youth Services, Government of Odisha, manages Pension to Indigent Sportspersons.

Who is eligible?

Permanent residents of Odisha who meet the age requirements (50 years for men, 40 years for women) and represented the state in recognized sports are eligible. Age relaxation of up to 10 years is available for those with medical conditions.

Is there an income limit?

Yes, annual income from all sources should not exceed ₹50,000.

What is the monthly benefit amount?

The scheme provides ₹3,000 per month to each beneficiary.

Can a spouse apply after the pensioner's death?

Yes, the surviving spouse of a deceased pensioner can apply on a priority basis by submitting the death certificate and legal heir certificate.

What happens if I miss the Life Certificate deadline?

The Life Certificate should reach the District Sports Officer by 10th February every year. Missing this date can stop the pension payment.