New Delhi, Oct 6: University and college sports persons who bring laurels to the country in national and international events will be provided free education till the highest level, the government said on Oct 5.

"Any sports person, who brings laurels to the country, will be given free education up to the highest level," HRD Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters here following approval of guidelines in this regard.

As per the guidelines, financial assistance will be reimbursed by UGC to the university concerned. The university concerned will make "special efforts" in terms of completion of syllabus and attendance of the sports person due to loss of class, according to the guidelines.

This step would bring a big relief to sports persons like Unmukt Chand, captain of India's World cup-winning under-19 cricket team, who had his share of ordeals regarding lack of attendance till the Delhi University Vice Chancellor had stepped in.

The HRD Minister also announced starting a national level university cricket league and university level hockey league to promote sports in a big way in campuses.

The cricket league would be played among eight top universities in T-20 format from among those who qualify through a zonal competition. Similarly, the hockey league will be played among top eight teams selected through zonal competitions.

PTI