Chandigarh, Aug 26 (IANS): The Punjab Cabinet on Thursday decided to amend the rules, paving the way for a special employment dispensation for outstanding sportspersons.

The Cabinet decision came following the 'commitment' made by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to the state's sportspersons who brought laurels in the Tokyo Olympics.

Sportspersons performing well in the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, as well as World Cup tournaments, will be recruited in various departments under the sports quota, following amendment to Rule 3 of the Punjab Recruitment of Sportsmen Rules, 1988, through insertion of Rule 3-A.

According to an official spokesperson, with the incorporation of the new rule, preference would be given to the medal winners in Olympic Games and World Cups and international championships (four yearly).

These events include FIFA World Cup Football, IAAF World Cup in Athletics, FIBA Basketball World Cup, Volleyball World Cup and Hockey World Cup among others, and also to the medallists of both Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

The Chief Minister has been authorized by the Cabinet to make any changes in the policy to accommodate sportspersons from more categories.

The decision is also aimed at motivating youth to take up sports as a career, said the spokesperson.