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Karnataka Raises Asian Games Medal Rewards, Felicitates Athletes
Karnataka held a ceremony in Bengaluru to celebrate athletes from the state who won medals at the 2026 Asian Games.
The state has raised the cash prizes for gold, silver and bronze medals.
It will also give money to all 20 Karnataka athletes who competed, not just those who won medals.
One report says medallists receive the participation payment on top of their medal prize.
Some athletes will get extra help as they prepare for the Olympics.
The government also says Asian and Commonwealth Games medallists can apply for certain government jobs through a selection process.
A new rule sets aside 2% of direct government recruitment for accomplished sportspersons.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara felicitated the state’s Asian Games 2026 medallists at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
The revised Asian Games awards are Rs 1 crore for gold, Rs 75 lakh for silver and Rs 50 lakh for bronze; eight Karnataka medallists qualify for medal awards.
All 20 Karnataka athletes who competed at the Games are to receive Rs 5 lakh each; one report says the eight medallists also receive this participation incentive in addition to medal awards.
Asian and Commonwealth Games medallists may be considered for direct recruitment to Group-B government posts through a selection committee headed by the Chief Secretary.
Four athletes were included in an Olympic-preparation scheme for 2026–27 and will each receive Rs 10 lakh; Karnataka has also introduced 2% reservation for accomplished sportspersons in direct recruitment to Group-A through Group-D posts.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara felicitated Karnataka athletes who won medals at the Asian Games 2026.
- What
- The state honoured the medallists and announced increased medal awards, participation incentives and other support measures for athletes.
- Where
- Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru.
- When
- Tuesday; the articles do not specify the date of the ceremony.
- Why
- To recognize the athletes’ achievements and support their sporting careers, Olympic preparation and employment security.
Reported payment details
Different descriptions
Participation incentive for medallists
Reported payment details
The first report says 20 athletes receive Rs 5 lakh each for competing, without stating that medallists receive an additional participation payment on top of medal awards.
Different descriptions
The second report explicitly says each of the eight medallists receives a further Rs 5 lakh participation incentive in addition to the medal cash award.
Olympic preparation scheme
Reported payment details
The first report calls the scheme ‘Target Olympics.’
Different descriptions
The second report calls it ‘Guri: Olympics.’ Both identify M.R. Poovamma, Sneha S.S., Shreyanka Patil and Shilpa K.S. as the four selected athletes.
Key facts
- Asian Games medal awards
- Gold: Rs 1 crore; silver: Rs 75 lakh; bronze: Rs 50 lakh.
- Previous medal awards
- Gold: Rs 35 lakh; silver: Rs 25 lakh; bronze: Rs 15 lakh.
- Participation incentive
- Rs 5 lakh each for 20 Karnataka athletes who qualified for and competed at the Asian Games 2026.
- Medallist count
- Eight Karnataka athletes are eligible for the revised medal awards.
- Olympic preparation
- Four athletes are included in a 2026–27 scheme and will each receive Rs 10 lakh.
- Government recruitment
- Asian and Commonwealth Games medallists may be directly recruited to Group-B posts through a selection committee headed by the Chief Secretary.
- Sportsperson reservation
- A 2% reservation applies to direct recruitment for Group-A, Group-B, Group-C and Group-D posts; the notification was issued October 3, 2026.
Quotes
D.K. Shivakumar
Karnataka Chief Minister
“These athletes' historic achievements have swelled the chest of every Kannadiga with pride. Their hard work, determination, and passion for sports serve as the finest inspiration for the youth of our land. May all these talents, in the days ahead, accomplish even greater feats on the international stage, hoisting the flag of honor for our state and nation to the skies. Our government will always stand in steadfast support of the upliftment of sports and athletes”
thehansindia.com
“Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medallists have been given an opportunity for direct recruitment to Group-B posts in the State Government. Eligible and interested medallists may be directly recruited through a selection committee headed by the Chief Secretary of Karnataka.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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