And Karnataka is providing a large cash reward package for state athletes who participated in the Asian Games 2026 (gold medal winners, participation incentive for eligible athletes and financial support for Olympic preparation). While acknowledging the achievements of sports, such a package also is to be provided to athletes who are preparing for future international events.
According to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, 20 Karnataka athletes who were eligible to compete at the Asian Games 2026 will receive a participation incentive of ₹5 lakh each. This is the first time such a participation reward has been announced for all the athletes eligible to represent the state at the continental game, the government said.
The state government has also greatly revised its existing medal incentives. The previous cash reward of ₹35 lakh for a gold medal, ₹25 lakh for a silver medal and ₹15 lakh for a bronze medal has been increased to ₹1 crore for gold, ₹75 lakh for silver and ₹50 lakh for bronze.
The new prize structure will see Karnataka's medal winners receive higher financial rewards for their performance at large international events. This is at a time when the state is working to strengthen its support system for athletes and encourage more sportspersons to compete at the highest level.
The announcement follows criticism faced by the Karnataka government over its initial response to the gold medal winning performance of M.R. Poovamma at the Asian Games. Poovamma and her family had expressed disappointment that no immediate call or official congratulatory message from the state government or Sports Department came after her success in the women's 4x400m relay.
Poovamma later said she initially did not receive calls from the state authorities and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara had contacted her. This new reward package is more of a whole approach to recognizing athletes and their achievements.
₹8 Crore Reward For Eight Karnataka Medallists
Eight Karnataka athletes who won medals at the Asian Games will collectively receive ₹8 crore in medal prize money under the new incentive structure, said the government.
Shreyanka R Patil, who was a part of India’s gold medal winning women’s cricket team, will receive ₹1 crore for her victory. M.R. Poovamma will receive a total of ₹1.75 crore for her performances, having won gold in the women’s 4x400m relay and silver in the mixed 4x400m relay.
Tilottama Sen, who won silver in the women's 50m rifle team event, will receive ₹75 lakh. Badminton player Ayush Shetty, who was part of the bronze medal winning men's team, will get ₹50 lakh.
Other Karnataka medal winners are Sneha S.S., Aditi Ashok, Pranavi S. Urs and Mohit H.S. In addition to the medal-specific rewards, each of the eight medallists will also receive the ₹5 lakh participation incentive announced for eligible Asian Games athletes.
The package thus goes beyond the traditional medal prize structure and participation incentives to athletes representing Karnataka at the Asian Games.
Direct Group-B Jobs For Asian, Commonwealth Games Medallists
The Karnataka government has also announced a major employment-related measure for accomplished sportspersons. Medal winners at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games will have an opportunity for direct recruitment to Group-B government posts.
The selection process will be carried out by a committee headed by the state’s Chief Secretary, with eligible sportspersons to be selected. It will create career security for them and recognize their achievements in international competitions.
For many sportspersons, getting a job after years of training and competition can be very attractive. The Group-B recruitment provision could thus provide additional institutional support to athletes who win medals at major multi-sport competitions.
Four Athletes Included in Karnataka Olympic Scheme
The state government has also included four accomplished athletes under the Karnataka Olympic Scheme for 2026-27. Asian Games medallists M.R. Poovamma, Sneha S.S. and Shreyanka Patil, and Commonwealth Games medallist Shilpa K.S. are also on the list.
All four athletes will receive a ₹10 lakh cash incentive this year to support their Olympic preparation. The assistance is intended to help the athletes pay for training, coaching, and preparation for future international events.
The inclusion of athletes in the Olympic scheme is part of Karnataka’s larger movement to provide a structured route to sportspersons looking to take part in major global competitions.
2% Reservation for Sportspersons In Government Jobs
In addition, Karnataka has also introduced a 2% reservation for accomplished sportspersons in direct recruitment to state government posts. The reservation is in Group-A, Group-B, Group-C and Group-D categories.
The measures, together with the increased medal rewards, participation incentives, direct recruitment opportunities and Olympic preparation support, add up to a whole package of benefits for athletes.
Karnataka government’s latest announcement may well provide even more motivation to the state’s athletes who compete in national and international events. Medal incentives recognize performance at competitions but employment opportunities and Olympic preparation assistance can provide longer-term support to athletes as they continue their careers.
With Karnataka athletes competing in athletics, cricket, badminton, shooting and golf, the new measures are expected to strengthen the state's support framework for elite sport. The ₹8 crore medal reward package is the most vivid part of the announcement but the participation incentive, Group-B recruitment opportunity, Olympic scheme and 2% reservation together form a wider policy aimed at supporting accomplished athletes beyond individual competitions.
