New Delhi, May 24 (IANS): Sports Authority of India (SAI) released Rs 8.25 crore as 'Out of Pocket Allowance' (OPA) for 2,749 Khelo India Athletes for the first quarter of 2020-21, it was announced on Sunday.

"The money has been transferred to the bank accounts of the athletes on May 22, 2020. A total of 2,893 athletes will be given the OPA for the period, with the funds to the remaining 144 athletes to be transferred by the end of May 2020," the SAI statement read.

"The Out of Pocket Allowance includes expenses towards travel to hometown, diet charges while at home and other miscellaneous expenses incurred by the athletes. Each athlete has been given Rs 30,000 for the period of April, May and June 2020."

Athletes from 35 states and union territories have been given the OPA in 21 sporting disciplines with the maximum number of Khelo India athletes in the following five states - Maharashtra (386), Haryana (381), Delhi (225), Punjab (202) and Tamil Nadu (165).

The OPA is Rs 1.20 lakh annually and is a the part of the Khelo India scholarship of Rs 6.28 lakhs that is given to each athlete selected under the scheme, annually.

The OPA is transferred directly to the athlete's bank account, whereas the rest of the amount is spent on the athlete's training, food, lodging and education at the Khelo India Academy where the athlete trains.