Many parents discourage kids when they show serious interest in sports without knowing that this could be a viable career option, complete with a well-paid job and international opportunities.  

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) runs an annual Sports Scholarship Scheme whose main objective is to award monthly stipend to kids who are sports stars. The aim is to enhance sporting standards for India and AAI, encourage young talent, with a view to giving permanent employment to them subsequently, based on their performances and vacancies available. 

Basics about the AAI Sports Scholarship Scheme  
Let’s check out some quick facts about this scheme: 

• Who can apply? Any Indian child aged above 14 on March 31, 2021 
• Kids aged between 14 and 18 would get INR 12,000 per month, students above 18 but below 24 would get INR 16,000 per month  
• This would continue for a year, and then be renewed, depending on the child’s performance  
• A medical allowance of INR 1,000 per month will also be given  
• Students must continue studying while playing  
• No objection certificate is required from the parents  
• This scheme is a contract with AAI, and may end with a deserving sport person getting a job with AAI. But the sport person would not be able to sign a contract with anyone else while with AAI  
• Games where both boys and girls may apply: badminton, chess, carom, table tennis  
• Only boys can apply for cricket, football, volleyball, while only girls would get kho kho scholarships  

Eligibility criteria for the scheme   
 Players who have represented in Sub-Junior / Junior/ Senior National Championships, All India Inter University Tournaments, National School Games in the last 2 years i.e 2018-19 & 2019-20 can apply.  The number of scholarships is up to 85 for open category and 15 for children of employees of Airports Authority of India.  

How to apply for it   
Application forms can be downloaded from the AAI AERO website and sent with the required documents to the Assistant General Manager (HR) & Secretary, AAI Sports Control Board, Airports Authority of India, A Wing, Room No. 120, Safdarjung Airport, Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, New Delhi-110003.