Deadline: 13-May-2026
SBI Foundation is inviting organisations to manage the SBIF PASS Junior programme, a nationwide sports scholarship for Indian para-athletes aged 15–19. The programme supports 90 athletes with ₹40,000 per month for one year, covering training, equipment, and performance needs. It aims to build a strong pipeline of para-sport talent and strengthen India’s long-term sporting ecosystem.
Overview
The SBI Foundation has launched a call for proposals to implement a national sports scholarship programme for young para-athletes in India.
Under its flagship sports initiative SBIF ACE, the SBIF PASS Junior Programme focuses on identifying, supporting, and developing high-potential para-athletes during a critical stage of their careers.
Programme Snapshot
- Total athletes supported: 90
- Age group: 15–19 years
- Scholarship: ₹40,000 per month
- Duration: 1 year
- Focus: Para-athletes in priority Olympic sports
Programme Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Support young para-athletes with financial assistance
- Enable uninterrupted training and performance
- Promote gender balance and geographic diversity
- Build long-term sports infrastructure and partnerships
- Strengthen India’s para-sports ecosystem
Scholarship Benefits for Athletes
Each selected athlete receives:
- Monthly stipend of ₹40,000
- Support for training and coaching
- Equipment and competition expenses
- Mentorship and performance development
- Recovery and nutrition support
Key Concepts Explained
Para-Athletes
Athletes with physical disabilities competing in adapted sports at national or international levels.
Scholarship Management System
A structured system to handle applications, selection, payments, and monitoring of beneficiaries.
Performance-Based Continuation
Ongoing funding depends on athlete progress and evaluation outcomes.
Who is Eligible?
Athlete Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be Indian citizens
- Be aged 15–19 years (as of 31 March 2026)
- Be recognised national-level para-athletes
- Have rankings from relevant sports federations
Preference Criteria
- Candidates from lower-income backgrounds
- Equal merit cases prioritised based on need
Eligible Categories
- Individual and doubles events
Role of the Implementing Agency
The selected organisation will manage the programme end-to-end.
Core Responsibilities
1. Programme Management
- Run application and selection processes
- Verify documents and shortlist candidates
- Onboard selected athletes
2. Outreach & Promotion
3. Athlete Support
- Provide applicant assistance
- Ensure smooth communication and engagement
4. Monitoring & Evaluation
- Track athlete performance
- Conduct mid-year and annual reviews
5. Nutrition Support (Mandatory)
- Provide in-house nutrition services
- Offer:
- Personalised diet plans
- Training-aligned nutrition strategies
- Regular consultations and tracking
- Maintain proper documentation and reporting
How the Programme Works
Step-by-Step Flow
- Agency Selection
- SBI Foundation selects implementing partner
- Outreach Campaign
- Promote scholarship nationwide
- Application Process
- Athletes apply and submit documents
- Screening & Selection
- Based on performance and eligibility
- Scholarship वितरण
- Monthly stipend disbursed
- Performance Monitoring
- Mid-year and annual evaluations
Evaluation Criteria
Athletes are assessed based on:
- Performance and rankings
- Commitment and progress
- Compliance with programme guidelines
Why This Programme Matters
- Supports underrepresented para-athletes
- Reduces financial barriers to sports participation
- Promotes inclusivity in sports
- Builds a pipeline for elite athletes
- Strengthens India’s global sporting presence
Common Mistakes to Avoid (For Agencies)
- Weak outreach strategy
- Poor verification and selection processes
- Lack of structured monitoring systems
- Inadequate nutrition and athlete support
- Poor documentation and reporting
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Demonstrate experience in sports programme management
- Show strong operational and digital systems
- Include a clear outreach and engagement plan
- Highlight nutrition and athlete welfare expertise
- Provide measurable monitoring and evaluation frameworks
FAQs
1. Who is this call for?
Organisations capable of managing a nationwide sports scholarship programme.
2. How many athletes will be supported?
90 para-athletes.
3. What is the scholarship amount?
₹40,000 per month per athlete.
4. What is the age eligibility?
15–19 years as of 31 March 2026.
5. Is performance monitoring required?
Yes, mid-year and annual evaluations are mandatory.
6. What additional support is required?
Nutrition services and athlete development support.
7. Are lower-income athletes prioritised?
Yes, in cases of equal merit.
Conclusion
The SBIF PASS Junior Programme represents a significant investment in India’s para-sports ecosystem by providing structured financial and developmental support to young athletes. By selecting a capable implementing agency, the initiative aims to create a sustainable and high-impact model that nurtures talent and drives long-term sporting excellence.
For more information, visit SBI Foundation.