Karnataka to revise cash incentive for Asian Games medalists

Athlete M.R. Poovamma gold medal in the women’s 4x400m relay and a silver in the 4x400m mixed relay at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

BENGALURU

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Sports G. Parameshwara announced on Monday that the cash incentive for Asian Games medallists from Karnataka will be revised and the fresh amount will be declared on Tuesday.

The State government, as per the Budget announcement in 2024, had earmarked a purse of ₹35 lakh, ₹25 lakh, and ₹15 lakh for gold, silver, and bronze medallists at the Commonwealth and Asian Games. But these amounts caused much consternation among athletes because they are meagre in comparison to those handed out by States like Haryana, where the prize for a gold medallist is ₹3 crore.

Mr. Parameshwara also responded to criticism that the State government officials were not quick to congratulate medal winners.