West Bengal hikes cash rewards for Olympic medallists

The West Bengal government has announced a major revision in cash incentives for athletes winning medals at international sporting events, significantly increasing rewards for medallists at the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that Olympic gold medallists from the state will now receive ₹8 crore, a sharp rise from the previously sanctioned ₹25 lakh.

Under the revised structure, Olympic silver medallists will be awarded ₹6 crore, while bronze medallists will receive ₹4 crore.

The state government has also enhanced rewards for other major international competitions. Asian Games gold medallists will receive ₹5 crore, silver medallists ₹4 crore and bronze medallists ₹2 crore.

For World Championships, the revised prize money stands at ₹2 crore for gold, ₹1.5 crore for silver and ₹1 crore for bronze medal winners.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games medallists will receive ₹1.5 crore for gold, ₹75 lakh for silver and ₹50 lakh for bronze medals.

State plans governance reforms and athlete support measures

Alongside the revised cash awards, Pramanik announced that the new Sports Governance Act would be implemented immediately in the state.

The minister also outlined plans to create employment opportunities for sportspersons and strengthen sports infrastructure across West Bengal. According to the announcement, the government will introduce broader support systems aimed at helping athletes develop and sustain their sporting careers.

The move comes amid increasing efforts by several Indian states to improve athlete welfare and provide stronger financial backing for elite performers competing at international events.

Tamil Nadu minister promises direct access for athletes

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna announced that athletes, coaches and sports association representatives could meet him daily at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium between 7 am and 10 am.

In a statement, Aadhav Arjuna said the initiative aims to improve communication between athletes and the government while addressing issues faced at the grassroots level. He added that the Sports Department was working on measures to help Tamil Nadu athletes achieve success at future Olympic Games and other international competitions.