Goma Announces Increased Reward for Medalists in National and International Games

The state government has significantly increased the financial rewards for athletes who win medals in national and international competitions, reaffirmed Yadvinder Goma, Minister for Sports and Youth Services, during the inauguration of the 21st All India Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar Memorial Volleyball Tournament held in Panchrukhi on Friday. Goma emphasized that this initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to recognize the hard work, dedication, and achievements of sportspersons who bring honor to the state and the nation.

Elaborating on the revised incentives, Goma announced a substantial increase in the cash rewards for athletes who secure podium finishes in the prestigious Olympic and Paralympic Games. Gold medal winners, who previously received Rs 3 crore, will now be awarded Rs 5 crore, reflecting a significant 66% hike. Similarly, athletes earning silver medals will now receive Rs 3 crore, up from Rs 2 crore, while those clinching bronze medals will be rewarded with Rs 2 crore, doubling the previous incentive of Rs 1 crore. This move aims to encourage athletes to aim for excellence on the global stage and motivate them to bring home medals.

Athletes participating in the Asian and Para-Asian Games will also benefit from a dramatic enhancement in prize money. Gold medal winners, who were previously awarded Rs 50 lakh, will now receive an impressive Rs 4 crore, representing an eightfold increase. Silver medalists will see their reward jump from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 2.5 crore, while bronze medalists, who earlier received Rs 20 lakh, will now be granted Rs 1.5 crore. These significant increases demonstrate the state government’s commitment to supporting athletes competing in continental events, recognizing their contribution to enhancing India’s sporting reputation in Asia.

Athletes who excel at the Commonwealth Games will also see a significant increase in their financial rewards, underscoring the government’s dedication to fostering athletic excellence and encouraging greater participation in international sporting events. Gold medalists, who previously received smaller incentives, will now be awarded Rs 3 crore, marking a substantial boost aimed at recognizing their outstanding achievements. Silver medalists will receive Rs 2 crore, while those securing bronze medals will be granted Rs 1 crore. These enhanced rewards reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting and motivating athletes to excel on the global stage, further enhancing India’s reputation in international sports.

Goma also emphasized that the Himachal Pradesh Golden Jubilee Sports Policy, 2021, has been implemented to acknowledge and promote the vital role of youth in nation-building. As part of this initiative, 20 new stadiums are currently under construction at a cost of Rs 28.5 crore during the ongoing financial year, aiming to upgrade and expand the state’s sports infrastructure.

Under the Chief Minister Yuva Khel Protsahan Yojana, Rs 15 lakh is being allocated to develop sports grounds in each Assembly constituency, with a total budget of Rs 10.20 crore earmarked for the scheme this financial year.

Major infrastructure projects include the construction of a hockey astroturf in Majra, Sirmaur, a multipurpose hall in Sundarnagar, Mandi, an indoor stadium in Bangana, Una, another multipurpose hall in Pragpur, Kangra, and an athletics track in Nurpur. These projects are being developed at a combined cost of Rs 37 crore. Additionally, multipurpose sports complexes are planned for Hamirpur and Jaisinghpur, further enhancing the state’s sports facilities.

Goma also revealed that Rs 1.35 crore has been allocated for organizing sports and youth-related activities across the state. On December 5, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will recognize and honor 21 exceptional athletes from Himachal Pradesh who have won medals in international competitions. Moreover, under the state’s 3% sports reservation policy, 889 athletes have been provided employment in various government departments, boards, and corporations, further supporting the development of sports in the region.

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