Shimla : Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today announced cash awards of approximately Rs. 5.33 crore for medal winners from Himachal Pradesh at the Asian Games-2026 held at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in recognition of their outstanding performance, hard work and dedication that brought laurels to the State.
As per the Himachal Pradesh Sports Council Cash Award Rules, 2024, the four Himachali members of the 12-member Indian women’s Kabaddi team that won the Gold Medal. Pushpa Rana, Ritu Negi, Jyoti Thakur and Bhavna Thakur from Himachal will receive Rs. 33.33 lakh each. The total award for the Himachali players in the Kabaddi team will be approximately Rs. 1.33 crore, with the team award distributed in proportion to the participation of the players as per the rules.
Sawan Barwal of Mandi will receive Rs. 2.50 crore for winning the Silver Medal in the Men’s Marathon, while Seema Kumari Chamba will receive Rs. 1.50 crore for securing the Bronze Medal in the Women’s 10,000m event.
Congratulating the medal winners, their families, coaches and support staff, the Chief Minister said that their achievements were a matter of great pride for Himachal Pradesh. He said their dedication, discipline and determination had brought honour to the State and would inspire more youth to take up sports and strive for excellence at national and international levels.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the present State Government had made a historic increase in prize money to encourage and motivate sportspersons. Gold medalists at the Olympic, Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are now awarded Rs. 5 crore, Silver medalists Rs. 3 crore and Bronze medalists Rs. 2 crore. At the Asian Games and Para Asian Games, Gold medalists are awarded Rs. 4 crore, Silver medalists Rs. 2.50 crore and Bronze medalists Rs. 1.50 crore. At the Commonwealth Games and Para Commonwealth Games, Gold medalists receive Rs. 3 crore, Silver medalists Rs. 2 crore and Bronze medalists Rs. 1 crore.
He said that in 2024, sportspersons who participated in or won medals at international competitions were awarded a total of Rs. 17.44 crore in prize money. Under the 3 percent sports quota, 99 sportspersons have so far been provided employment. Students participating in State- and national-level competitions are also being granted special leave to balance their studies and sporting activities.
The Chief Minister said that diet allowances for sportspersons had also been enhanced. An allowance of Rs. 500 per day is being provided for competitions outside the State, Rs. 400 at the State level, Rs. 300 at the district level and Rs. 240 at the block level. Sportspersons at the elementary education level residing in sports hostels are also provided a diet allowance of Rs. 250 per day.
He further said that travel provisions for athletes participating in sports events outside the State had also been enhanced. Athletes travelling up to 200 kilometres would be provided AC 3-Tier train fare, while those travelling more than 200 kilometres would be eligible for economy class airfare.
The Chief Minister extended best wishes to all the medal winners and expressed hope that their achievements would inspire the youth of Himachal Pradesh and that they would continue to excel and bring greater glory to the state and the country in future sporting events.
Menu
