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Sports
Minister Tawadkar vows prize money for medal-winning athletes within a month
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 02 Sep 2026, 04:37 AM
👁 3
State Sports Minister Vijay Tawadkar announced that prize money will be disbursed to Indian athletes who win medals at international events within the next 30 days.
State Sports Minister Vijay Tawadkar told reporters that the government will release the promised cash rewards to athletes who secure medals at upcoming international competitions within a month. The announcement comes as part of the state's effort to motivate sportspersons and recognize their achievements on the global stage.
Tawadkar emphasized that the funds have already been allocated in the sports budget and that administrative processes have been streamlined to ensure swift payment. He urged athletes to focus on their performance, assuring them that financial recognition will not be delayed.
The minister also highlighted recent successes of Indian athletes in events such as the Asian Games and Commonwealth Championships, noting that timely prize money could further boost morale and encourage broader participation in sports across the state.
Officials from the sports department will coordinate with the respective sports federations to verify medal wins and process the payments. The initiative aligns with the central government's broader scheme to reward sporting excellence.
Stakeholders, including coaches and former athletes, welcomed the move, calling it a positive step toward professionalizing sports and providing athletes with the financial support they need to train and compete at the highest level.
Tawadkar emphasized that the funds have already been allocated in the sports budget and that administrative processes have been streamlined to ensure swift payment. He urged athletes to focus on their performance, assuring them that financial recognition will not be delayed.
The minister also highlighted recent successes of Indian athletes in events such as the Asian Games and Commonwealth Championships, noting that timely prize money could further boost morale and encourage broader participation in sports across the state.
Officials from the sports department will coordinate with the respective sports federations to verify medal wins and process the payments. The initiative aligns with the central government's broader scheme to reward sporting excellence.
Stakeholders, including coaches and former athletes, welcomed the move, calling it a positive step toward professionalizing sports and providing athletes with the financial support they need to train and compete at the highest level.