Telangana announces massive cash awards under new sports policy

The Telangana government’s new sports policy promises increased cash incentives of up to Rs 6 crore for Olympic winners, the establishment of a sports university, and revived support for state-level sports associations

Hyderabad: The Chief Minister, Mr A Revanth Reddy, who apparently took special interest in the drafting of the new Sports Policy, has ensured a drastic hike in the cash incentives for performing athletes from the State at the highest level, including participants in majors like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

According to the latest Sports Policy of the State Government, a gold medallist in both the Olympics and Paralympics will now receive Rs 6 crores, a silver medallist Rs 4 crores, and a bronze medallist Rs 2.5 crores.

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Earlier, a gold medallist was awarded Rs 2 crores, silver Rs 1 crore, and bronze Rs 50 lakhs.

Break-up of revised cash incentives (Gold / Silver / Bronze / Participation):

• Olympics/Paralympics – Rs 6 cr / Rs 4 cr / Rs 2.5 cr / Rs 15 lakh

• Youth Olympics – Rs 1 cr / Rs 65 lakh / Rs 40 lakh / Rs 2.5 lakh

• Commonwealth Games/Para CWG – Rs 1.5 cr / Rs 75 lakh / Rs 50 lakh / Rs 15 lakh

• Youth CWG – Rs 25 lakh / Rs 12.5 lakh / Rs 8 lakh

• Asian/Para Asian Games – Rs 3 cr / Rs 1.5 cr / Rs 75 lakh / Rs 7.5 lakh

• Youth Asian Games – Rs 50 lakh / Rs 25 lakh / Rs 15 lakh

• Special Olympics – Rs 50 lakh / Rs 30 lakh / Rs 20 lakh / Rs 5 lakh

• Deaflympics – Rs 1.2 cr / Rs 40 lakh / Rs 20 lakh / Rs 2.5 lakh

A graded incentive system will be established to ensure that top performers (both athletes and coaches) receive higher support, while also motivating amateur and semi-professional athletes to progress further.

The proposed Young India Physical Education & Sports University (YIPESU) aims to develop top-class professionals in various sport-related fields, undertake research in sports coaching and science, and enhance performance-related facilities for elite athletes.

Efforts also include State-specific LTAD (Long-Term Athlete Development) programmes, supported by Centres of Excellence (CoEs) with help from the Khelo India scheme, Government of India, and national sport federations.

In a significant move, State-level winners of the CM Cup will now be eligible for sports quota reservations for meritorious sportspersons in the State.

There is also relief for State Sports Associations, which had long been deprived of financial assistance. The new policy aims to offer them much-needed support to promote sports at all levels.