Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports (Independents Charge) has sanctioned ex-gratia assistance of Rs. 2 lakh from National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons, to Shri Bir Bahadur, former Footballer who is living in indigent conditions. Shri Bir Bahadur has been part of the Series Football Team, which was Runner-up (twice) in 1966 and 1969 of National Football Championship (Santosh Trophy).

The Scheme of National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons provides for lump sum financial assistance to outstanding sportspersons of the yester years, who are at present living in indigent circumstances.