The Himachal Pradesh government is set to honour athletes who secured medals and participated in the 20th Asian Games by disbursing a total of Rs 9.03 crore in prize money. An award ceremony is scheduled to be held this month to facilitate the distribution of these financial rewards to the distinguished sportspersons.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that members of the gold medal-winning women’s kabaddi team – Ritu Negi, Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur, and Bhawana Thakur – will each receive Rs 1 crore. Sawan Barwal, who earned a silver medal in the men’s marathon, is slated to receive Rs 2.50 crore. Additionally, Seema Kumari, a bronze medalist in the 10,000m event, will be awarded Rs 1.50 crore. Renuka Thakur, a participant in the gold medal-winning cricket team, will also receive Rs 1 crore. Takhelambam Inungambi, who competed in judo, will be presented with Rs 3 lakh.
These awards follow recent amendments approved by the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet concerning cash awards for athletes. The revised rules stipulate that cash prizes for members of Indian teams winning medals at international sporting competitions will be distributed equally among all eligible athletes hailing from Himachal Pradesh who are part of such medal-winning contingents. The state government’s decision reflects a commitment to recognizing and financially supporting its athletes’ achievements on the global stage.
In addition to the financial incentives, the Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has also sanctioned the creation of posts for District Youth Services and Sports Officers. This move aims to provide dedicated administrative support and foster sports development at the district level, particularly for sportspersons who have achieved international recognition. The establishment of these posts is intended to create a more robust framework for sports promotion and athlete welfare within the state.
The state government has emphasized its ongoing efforts to promote sports and encourage athletes through various initiatives. Financial rewards, such as the upcoming disbursement for Asian Games medalists, are a key component of this strategy. Beyond monetary prizes, the government is reportedly exploring other support measures designed to nurture athletic talent and enhance sporting infrastructure within Himachal Pradesh. The spokesperson reiterated the government’s dedication to creating an environment where athletes can thrive and achieve their full potential.
The Asian Games, a multi-sport event held every four years, brings together athletes from across Asia. The performances of athletes like those from Himachal Pradesh contribute to the overall success of the Indian contingent. The state’s decision to honour its medal winners with substantial cash awards underscores the importance placed on sports and the recognition of the dedication, training, and performance required to succeed at such a high level of competition. This financial encouragement is expected to inspire future generations of athletes in the state to pursue excellence in their respective disciplines.
The Chenab Times News Desk