SBI Foundation launches Rs 4.32 crore scholarship programme for 90 junior athletes

Representative Image: SBI Foundation’s SBIF ACE Junior scholarship programme will support 90 national-level athletes aged 15 to 19. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

SBI Foundation in association with Acrophase at IIT Madras, has launched SBIF ACE Junior, a national scholarship programme aimed at supporting 90 Indian athletes aged 15 to 19 across seven sports disciplines.

Under the initiative, each selected athlete will receive Rs 40,000 per month for one year to cover expenses related to training, equipment, travel and competitions. The programme will also provide sports-science assessments, performance monitoring and nutrition guidance.

The scholarship covers athletics, swimming, shooting, archery, wrestling, boxing and badminton, with 45 places each allocated to male and female athletes.

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Athletics has the highest allocation with 18 scholarships, followed by swimming and shooting with 16 each. Archery will receive 12 places, wrestling and boxing 10 each, and badminton eight.

Applicants must be Indian citizens aged between 15 and 19 as on March 31, 2026, and competing at the national level.

Selection will be based on sporting merit, with preference given to players from lower-income families when candidates are otherwise equally matched.

The initiative aims to support young athletes during their transition to senior-level competition.

Applications opened on October 7 and will close on November 16.