Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Karnataka Reconsiders Cash Awards for Asian Games Medallists
Karnataka is reviewing how much money it gives athletes who win medals.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said the government is comparing its awards with those in other states.
He discussed the issue with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
They plan to announce revised award amounts on Tuesday.
Runner M.R. Poovamma was part of India's Asian Games gold-winning women's relay team.
She said the state's ₹35 lakh gold-medal award was not enough.
She also said officials did not congratulate her soon after her win.
The two state leaders later spoke with her, and Shivakumar invited her to discuss sports rewards.
The government says it has gathered information about awards elsewhere.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said Karnataka is reviewing cash awards for athletes.
The government is comparing its incentives with those offered by other states.
Parameshwara said revised prize amounts would be announced jointly with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday.
Asian Games gold medallist M.R. Poovamma said Karnataka's ₹35 lakh award was inadequate.
Poovamma also expressed disappointment that state leaders and district officials did not congratulate her immediately after her win.
- Who
- Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and athletes including M.R. Poovamma.
- What
- Karnataka is reconsidering cash awards for athletes and plans to announce revised amounts.
- When
- Parameshwara said the announcement would be made Tuesday; he spoke to reporters on Monday.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- The government is comparing its awards with those offered by other states after athletes said higher amounts were available elsewhere; Poovamma criticized the ₹35 lakh gold-medal award.
Athlete concerns
Government review
Cash awards
Athlete concerns
M.R. Poovamma said Karnataka's ₹35 lakh award for a gold medal was inadequate and called for higher financial support.
Government review
G. Parameshwara said the government is comparing awards in other states and reconsidering Karnataka's prize amounts.
Recognition after the win
Athlete concerns
Poovamma said she was disappointed that state leaders and district officials did not contact her immediately after her victory.
Government review
Parameshwara said he later spoke with Poovamma and other athletes; Shivakumar also contacted her and invited her to a meeting.
- Current gold-medal award cited
- ₹35 lakh
- Planned announcement
- Tuesday; revised prize amounts to be announced jointly by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister
- Review basis
- Comparison with cash incentives offered by other states
- Poovamma's achievement
- Member of India's gold-winning women's 4x400-metre relay team at the Asian Games
- Government response
- Parameshwara and Shivakumar later contacted Poovamma; Shivakumar invited her to discuss sports reward policies