Pollachi: The Tamil Nadu government has increased the daily food allowance for students residing in government sports hostels from ₹250 to ₹350, officials said.

The hostels, managed by the Sports Development Authority Tamilnadu (SDAT) , operate in 28 locations across the state, offering training, accommodation, and nutritious meals for student-athletes.

Speaking to media, Aruna, Senior Manager, Coimbatore Zone, SDAT, said that students studying in Classes 7, 8, 9, and Plus 1 can apply for admission. "Selections are made based on district and state-level entrance exams, followed by counseling for specific sports including athletics, basketball, football, hockey, kabaddi, and volleyball," she said.

With the revised allocation, students will now receive non-vegetarian meals seven days a week. “To ensure physical strength, chicken and fish will be served three days each, and either goat meat or beef will be served once a week,” she added.

Training is held twice daily — two hours in the morning and two-and-a-half hours in the evening. “Balanced, protein-rich food is essential to support their rigorous physical activities,” Aruna noted.

The initiative also aligns with broader career opportunities. “Students who excel in state, national, or international competitions are eligible for college admissions and government jobs under the sports quota,” she said.