SAI Special Assistance for Retired Athletes as Coaches (SARAC)
Financial honorarium of ₹3 Lakh per annum and equipment grants for retired national champions establishing grassroots academies in their hometowns.
Quick Eligibility Snapshot
₹Benefits & Entitlement Breakdown
📊Budget Allocation & Beneficiary Reach
Administered under SAI sports veteran welfare and coaching extension line
Official Budget Document ↗Over 680 retired national and international champions supported in establishing coaching academies
As of: 2026-01-20PIB / Official Citation ↗Verified Eligibility Criteria
Retired athletes who won medals in recognized National Championships or represented India internationally not holding regular government jobs.
Required Documents Checklist
Verify readiness before applying for SAI Special Assistance for Retired Athletes as Coaches (SARAC). Check off your papers or print this list before visiting your local CSC / Cyber Cafe.
Mandatory Documents(3)
Check off as readyKeep self-attested photocopies and clear digital scans (100 KB – 200 KB, PDF/JPG format) ready to avoid portal upload timeouts.
Worried About Application Rejection for SAI Special Assistance for Retired Athletes as Coaches (SARAC)?
Over 30% of applications on official portals get delayed or rejected due to minor certificate authority mismatches or unseeded bank accounts. Our civic research desk compiles a verified 1-page Scheme Blueprint tailored to your state and profile.
- ✓Valid issuing authority rules (Tehsildar/SDM)
- ✓Aadhaar-DBT bank seeding verification
- ✓Direct official portal guide (no middlemen)
- ✓Email delivery in 1–2 hrs during desk hours
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Application Effort & Process Friction
Readiness assessment derived from official prerequisites, mandatory documentation, and submission channels.
Effort scores reflect portal accessibility, mandatory document burden, and physical verification requirements.
How to Apply
- 1
Retired athlete applies online on dbtyas.gov.in with sports medal credentials.
- 2
Submit DPR for grassroots academy (location, sport, target child intake).
- 3
SAI Regional Director inspects local ground/facility.
- 4
Sanction letter issued; monthly honorarium credited via DBT with quarterly trainee progress audits.
✅Before You Begin — Pre-Application Checklist
⚠️Common Rejection Reasons — Avoid These
Applicant actively competing in commercial leagues, holding full-time permanent government employment, or non-medalist.
Official Government Application Portal
You will be redirected to the secure official portal: sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in
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Get Scheme Blueprint (₹49)→Frequently Asked Questions (Officially Sourced)
Verified answers sourced directly from official circulars, gazettes, and portal FAQs. Never AI-invented.
Can an athlete with a government job receive this honorarium?
No, the scheme is specifically meant for retired champions who do not hold permanent government or PSU employment.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗What is the equipment grant provided?
A one-time grant of up to ₹5,00,000 is provided to purchase balls, racquets, mats, and fitness equipment.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗What sports are covered?
All Olympic, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games disciplines.
Source: Official Scheme FAQ ↗Can I track my SAI Special Assistance for Retired Athletes as Coaches (SARAC) application status?
Application status for SAI Special Assistance for Retired Athletes as Coaches (SARAC) can typically be tracked through the official portal at sportsauthorityofindia.nic.in using your Aadhaar number, application reference number, or registered mobile number. Alternatively, contact the scheme helpline or visit your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
What should I do if my SAI Special Assistance for Retired Athletes as Coaches (SARAC) payment is delayed or rejected?
First, verify your Aadhaar-bank account seeding status on the NPCI mapper (npci.org.in). If seeding is confirmed and payment is still pending, register a complaint on the Central Public Grievance Redressal System at pgportal.gov.in. You may also file an RTI application at rtionline.gov.in to obtain official rejection reasons within 30 days.
Is there an income tax implication for receiving SAI Special Assistance for Retired Athletes as Coaches (SARAC) benefits?
Agricultural income and certain welfare subsidies may be exempt from income tax under Section 10 of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Tax treatment varies by scheme type and beneficiary income level. Consult a certified tax practitioner or visit incometax.gov.in for scheme-specific tax guidance.
Common Rejection Reasons & Warnings
Applicant actively competing in commercial leagues, holding full-time permanent government employment, or non-medalist.
Editorial Verification & Change Log
| Date | Field | Description / Update | Source Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-19 | scheme_type | cs | Official Source ↗ |
| 2026-09-28 | initial_verification | Baseline verification of SAI Special Assistance for Retired Athletes as Coaches (SARAC) guidelines, benefits, and portal integration. | Official Source ↗ |
| 2026-09-28 | initial_verification | Baseline verification of SAI Special Assistance for Retired Athletes as Coaches (SARAC) guidelines, benefits, and portal integration. | Official Source ↗ |
⚖Compare with Similar Schemes
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Application Window & Deadlines
Open year-round
🛟Grievance & RTI Channels
Scheme Intelligence
How is this calculated? ↗Verified 7d ago from .gov.in source
Apply online with minimal documents
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📅Scheme Milestone Timeline
Baseline verification of SAI Special Assistance for Retired Athletes as Coaches ...
Official Source ↗Baseline verification of SAI Special Assistance for Retired Athletes as Coaches ...
Official Source ↗Schemes You Can Stack With This
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Official Helpline & Nodal Offices
Sports Authority of India (SAI) Head Office
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003
Helpline: 011-24360525
Jurisdiction: NationalNotice a Discrepancy?
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Verification Metadata
Last verified by Eligo researchers on 2026-10-12 against official government documentation.
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