Karnataka hikes Asian Games medal cash awards; gold medallists to get ₹1 crore
The Karnataka government has significantly increased cash incentives for Asian Games 2026 medallists and introduced new employment benefits for athletes. Gold medallists will now receive ₹1 crore, alongside new reservation quotas for government jobs.
Why it matters
This policy shift demonstrates a state-level commitment to professionalizing sports and providing long-term financial security for elite athletes.
The Karnataka government has increased the cash awards for the State’s Asian Games 2026 medallists, with gold medallists set to receive ₹1 crore, silver medallists ₹75 lakh and bronze medallists ₹50 lakh.
For the first time, the government has also sanctioned a ₹5 lakh incentive for each of the 20 Karnataka athletes who qualified for and participated in the Asian Games.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister and Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister G. Parameshwara felicitated Karnataka athletes who won medals at the Asian Games 2026 at Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday (October 6, 2026).
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government was taking steps to recognise sporting achievements while providing athletes with financial and employment security.
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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