New Delhi: In a landmark decision aimed at empowering athletes and encouraging sports excellence, the Delhi government on Tuesday approved a record enhancement in cash rewards and job benefits for Olympic and Paralympic medal winners. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta following the cabinet meeting held at the Delhi Secretariat.
With this move, Delhi becomes the first state in the country to offer the highest-ever reward amount to Olympic medalists — ₹7 crore for a gold medal, ₹5 crore for silver, and ₹3 crore for bronze. Previously, the prize money stood at ₹3 crore, ₹2 crore, and ₹1 crore, respectively.
In addition to monetary incentives, Gupta said medal winners will also be given permanent government jobs: Group A appointments for gold and silver medalists and Group B for bronze winners.
“This decision is not just about financial support; it’s about granting lifelong dignity and recognition to our athletes,” CM Rekha Gupta posted on X after the cabinet meeting.
The Chief Minister further noted that the government has also expanded and enhanced reward and job provisions for medalists in the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and National Games, to inspire Delhi’s youth and ensure their hard work receives both respect and opportunity.
Drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘sports as a vehicle for nation-building’, CM Gupta termed the initiative a “historic step” towards offering Delhi’s youth a platform of respect, stability, and new opportunities.
