New Delhi, July 30 (IANS) Sports minister Jitendra Singh Tuesday announced financial assistance of Rs.150,000 for ailing former women’s hockey player Barbara Francis.

The financial assistance, which would be given as Rs.50,000 for three years, was sanctioned from the National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons for the player’s treatment.
In the past, Barbara has also has been given financial assistance of Rs.3.50 lakh in two instalments – Rs.1.5 lakh in February 2009 and Rs.2 lakh in May 2011 – for her treatment.
The National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons provides for lumpsum financial assistance for former sportspersons who are living in indigent circumstances.