Himachal Pradesh’s enhanced cash incentives for Asian Games medallists have brought praise, but a persistent issue of delayed rewards for achievements at national and lower-tier international events remains a significant concern for rising athletes in the state.
Information was available with The Chenab Times highlighting that while the state government has committed to disbursing awards to Asian Games medallists by October 31, several athletes are still awaiting payments for their successes in various other competitions held over the past few years.
Seema Kumari, a bronze medallist in the 10,000-metre race at the recent Asian Games, expressed gratitude for the prompt announcement of cash awards for the continental event. However, she also brought attention to her pending awards from Senior National Championships, the National Games, and other smaller international competitions, a situation faced by many emerging sportspersons in Himachal Pradesh.
The state government recently announced substantial cash awards for its athletes who secured medals at the Asian Games, bringing its incentives in line with those offered by states like Haryana. Under the revised policy, an Olympic gold medallist stands to receive Rs 5 crore, while an Asian Games gold medallist would get Rs 4 crore, and a Commonwealth Games gold medallist Rs 3 crore. These figures reflect a significant increase in the state’s commitment to rewarding top-tier athletic achievements.
While acknowledging the positive development regarding major international event rewards, Seema Kumari voiced her hope that the upcoming felicitation ceremony on October 31 would also include the disbursement of her outstanding awards. This sentiment is shared by other athletes, including Sawan Barwal, who won a silver medal in the marathon at the Asian Games, and is also reportedly awaiting dues from past national-level competitions.
The disparity in reward timelines underscores a critical need for consistent financial support across all levels of athletic competition. For athletes in the developmental stages, timely financial assistance from state, national, and smaller international events is crucial for covering essential expenses such as training, equipment procurement, nutritional supplements, and travel, which are often significant burdens.
Rajesh Bhandari, the secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association, commended the government for enhancing the cash awards and ensuring their timely distribution to the Asian Games contingent. He emphasized that similar promptness should be extended to athletes who have achieved success at national and state levels. Bhandari stated that swift disbursement of these awards can be a transformative factor in an athlete’s journey, providing much-needed impetus and stability.
A coach, who preferred to remain anonymous, commented that even awards of Rs 50,000 or Rs 1 lakh can make a substantial difference for athletes, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Such funds, the coach explained, can be instrumental in acquiring better training equipment or improving dietary standards, thereby enhancing preparation for more significant competitions. The coach further noted that prolonged delays in receiving promised financial rewards can be a significant deterrent, potentially leading promising athletes and their families to reconsider or abandon sporting careers due to the financial strain involved.
A sports official pointed out that government support should ideally be a continuous process, extending beyond initial international accolades. Sustained assistance is vital for athletes like Seema Kumari, who now aspire to compete at the Olympic level, necessitating ongoing support for their rigorous training regimens rather than a singular, one-time reward.
The issue of delayed recognition also extends to the state’s highest sporting honour, the Parshuram Award. Raj Kumar Bharanta, president of the state Kabaddi Association, highlighted that this prestigious award has not been conferred upon eligible sportspersons at regular intervals, noting that its last presentation was over five years ago. Vijay Kumar, an athlete who achieved significant success with an Olympic silver medal in 2012 and multiple Asian Games medals, is reportedly still awaiting this award.
The collective concerns raised by athletes and sports administrators highlight a broader challenge for Himachal Pradesh: the need to ensure that the state’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence is consistently reflected in timely financial support and comprehensive recognition for athletes at every stage of their careers, from grassroots development to international acclaim.
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