{
  "id": 19751552,
  "title": "Keralam to bring in athlete-centric sports bill: Minister Janeesh",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/keralam-to-bring-in-athlete-centric-sports-bill-minister-janeesh",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T03:49:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/keralam-to-bring-in-athlete-centric-sports-bill-minister-janeesh-101794541797529.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thiruvananthapuram - Keralam's Minister O J Janeesh announced plans to overhaul the state's existing sports laws with the introduction of a comprehensive, athlete-centric sports bill. The proposed legislation seeks to address coordination issues between the State Sports Council and the Sports Directorate, making the sports sector more professional. Janeesh highlighted the government's increased financial support for sportspersons, notably the hike in cash awards for Asian Games medalists from ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Coaches and para-category athletes also received enhanced incentives. The minister announced the repayment of overdue cash awards and the distribution of ₹1.5 crore in awards to 900 sportspersons at a recent function. The Sports Minister C P John presided over the event and spoke of reviving Keralam State Road Transport Corporation's sports teams to restore the state's sporting legacy.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Keralam to introduce athlete-centric sports bill",
    "Minister Janeesh to address coordination issues",
    "Cash awards for athletes increased significantly"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Centralizing authority through new legislation aims to professionalize the sports sector by resolving administrative friction between state agencies and providing greater financial security for competitive athletes.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}