Olympic gold medallists to get Rs six crore, promises new sports policy
Under the new sports policy, the state government also announced huge cash rewards for athletes who bag medals at both Olympics and Paralympic Games Rs 6 crore for gold medal winners, Rs 4 crore and Rs 2.5 crore to silver and bronze medal winners respectively.
As part of this sports policy, the government will also establish The Sports Hub of Telangana, which will help the state in realising its 'vision of becoming a centre for champions, driven by sustainable and holistic development across all dimensions of the sports ecosystem'.
The Sports Hub, to be governed by a Board of Governors comprising eminent individuals from different fields, will function as an umbrella organisation, providing strategic leadership and policy guidance in key areas such as infrastructure development, training, sports education and grassroots growth.
The initiative aims to establish a robust sports ecosystem in the state, positioning Telangana as a leading region for sports excellence. The Sports Hub will oversee the implementation of the policy, and the allocation and utilisation of funds, officials said.
Under this policy, the government will adopt the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as a strategic mechanism to enhance and expand sports infrastructure, they added.
To enhance financial sustainability and encourage private participation, all PPP-developed venues will be granted preferred venue status for hosting government and official events. For commercial viability, up to 30 per cent of the site potential will be allocated for non-sporting or commercial activities. All facilities developed under these models will remain accessible to a wide range of users, from grassroots to elite athletes.
Meanwhile, the state government also decided to introduce annual sports awards to honour athletes, coaches, journalists, schools and corporate partners who excel in and contribute to various sports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Jack Eichel invited to represent Team USA at the 2026 Olympics
Jack Eichel (Image Via Twitter) Another milestone has been achieved in Jack Eichel's journey through hockey. The Vegas Golden Knights' talented center has officially been named as one of the initial six players on Team USA's preliminary roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. His first Olympic appearance for the Stanley Cup champion is not only a personal achievement but a win for Vegas hockey. Eichel's presence brings an international spotlight for Team USA and much-needed attention to the growing legacy of the Golden Knights. Jack Eichel's role and duties with Team USA at the Olympics Top 10 Jack Eichel Plays Adding some balance, leadership, and offensive creativity, Jack Eichel turns out to be very valuable for Team USA. He adds an element of unpredictability to international hockey: his speed, vision, and ability to stickhandle in tight spaces are difficult to contain. The 6-foot-2 winger is a kaleidoscopic piece, able to wax and wane between shooter and playmaker on the power play, and is always the target. In a tournament in which games are decided by trivial margins, Eichel's 200-foot skill set could well be the difference. What Jack Eichel's selection means for Vegas All Jack Eichel Goals: 2024-25 Regular Season & Playoffs Eichel's call-up for the Olympics also resonates outside the rink. For the Golden Knights, his selection raises the franchise to a global level of recognition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Natural Foods to Control High Blood Pressure Undo Just as Vegas and Eichel secured the 2023 Stanley Cup, the selection for the Olympics tends to elevate the team brand. Las Vegas fans now have to see one of their brightest stars go and represent the country on the biggest hockey stage, nurturing pride and respect internationally. After a set of tough times that have recently plagued the city, the rise of Eichel paints a positive story in favor of recognizing Las Vegas as a serious hockey platform. Also Read: Casey Mittelstadt trade rumors stir Boston Bruins off-season buzz The pathway of Jack Eichel to the 2026 Olympics carries themes of personal triumph yet alludes to something bigger. For Team USA, he is an important piece in their championship puzzle; while for the Golden Knights, he elevates the franchise to a household name across the world. Therefore, as he sets his sights on skating under the American colors, there will certainly be something to look forward to from both Vegas and USA Hockey in Eichel, a player molded for big-time moments. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Srinagar's Dal Lake hosts first-ever Khelo India water games with eyes on talent for Olympics
The picturesque and iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar on Thursday (August 21, 2025) hosted the first-ever races under rowing, kayaking, and canoeing categories under the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, with an eye on improving the rank in water sports at the Olympics in the coming years. At least 409 athletes from 36 States and Union Territories (U.T.s) are participating in the water sports events, competing for 24 gold medals over the next three days. Of the 409 participants, 202 are female athletes. Madhya Pradesh has sent the largest contingent of 44 athletes, followed by Haryana (37), Odisha (34), and Kerala (33). 'The waters of the Dal Lake offer the same setting as in Europe. It's going to unmask talent in J&K as well as across the country. Water sports have 16 medals in the Olympics and remain the key to bettering our ranks at the international platform,' Bilquis Mir, who became India's first jury member in the Olympics in 2025, said. India ranked 71st at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 is also the first consolidated open-age category championship, where all 14 kayaking and canoeing events and the 10 rowing events are Olympic events. Ms. Mir, the Competition Director for the first Khelo India Water Sports Games, termed the holding of the water games in Srinagar as a shot in the arm for local athletes. 'The event will boost water sports in Kashmir and provide a platform to local talent,' Ms. Mir said. On day one, Mohsin Ali, a local, won gold in the 1,000-metre canoe race. 'I started water sports in 2017, preparing and have been eyeing to win gold. I attended a 20-day special camp under Ms. Mir for the event. My hard practice has earned me the prize,' Mr. Ali said. Balaji Maradapa, president of the Rowing Federation of India, said the venue chosen for the Khelo India Water Sports is the best thing to happen for local athletes in Kashmir. 'I have been tracking the athletes of Kashmir for many years. They are nice and have a big make. With proper training, local athletes have the potential to top rowing and kayaking in India,' Mr. Maradapa said. Olympian Arjun Lal Jat, who represented India in 2020 and won a silver medal in the 2023 Asian Games, also sees unattended potential in Kashmir. 'In the coming years, Kashmiri athletes will make it big,' Mr. Jat said. With athletes coming from Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, and other States, Ms. Mir said, 'The course has been prepared keeping all international specifications in mind.' The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is a new addition along the lines of the Khelo India Beach Games held in Diu in May this year. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, said, 'The government is committed to providing world-class facilities, training, and platforms like Khelo India to empower athletes nationwide.' J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said water sports and Dal Lake share a special bond. 'Through Khelo India Water Sports, this bond has been given a new colour. You may have heard it many times, but it is true, winning is not everything; participation is most important. We hope we are able to host you well.' Meanwhile, Ms. Mir said the three-day event will also boost tourism. 'These sportsmen will become ambassadors to the rest of the country,' she said.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
No bilateral sporting ties with Pak, Asia Cup gets govt nod
New Delhi: India severed all bilateral sporting ties with Pakistan but will continue to compete against its neighbours in multilateral international events, the sports ministry announced on Thursday. Subsequently, the Indian cricket team can participate in the T20 Asia Cup in the UAE starting on September 9. India will play Pakistan in Dubai on September 14. FILE PHOTO: Cricket - ICC Men's Champions Trophy - Group A - India v Pakistan - Dubai International Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates - February 23, 2025 Pakistan's Babar Azam in action REUTERS/Satish Kumar/File Photo (REUTERS) Relations between the countries deteriorated sharply this year following an intense four-day military conflict—their worst standoff in decades—that killed more than 70 people in missile, drone and artillery fire on both sides. The conflict was triggered by the April 22 terror attack on civilians in Kashmir that New Delhi accused Pakistan of backing. India's match against Pakistan will be the first between the countries since the standoff. India's Policy Towards International Sporting Events released on Thursday states, 'In so far as bilateral sports events are concerned, Indian teams will not be participating in competitions in Pakistan. Nor will we permit Pakistani teams to play in India. With regard to international and multilateral events, in India or abroad, we are guided by the practices of international sports bodies and the interest of our own sportspersons. It is also relevant to take into account India's emergence as a credible venue to host international sports events. 'Accordingly, Indian teams and individual players will take part in international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistani players and teams will be able to participate in such multilateral events hosted by India,' the policy document added. It says India's approach to sports events involving Pakistan reflects its 'overall policy in dealing with that country'. 'It was important to draw a policy regarding sporting ties with Pakistan considering the recent happenings. India will not compete in any bilateral events,' said a sports ministry official. The government has faced a barrage of questions over sporting relations with Pakistan in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack. Keeping in mind India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympics and the 2030 Commonwealth Games, it will have to respect the International Olympic Charter that safeguard countries from being excluded from sports on the basis of 'racial, religious or political reasons or by reason of other forms of discrimination'. For this reason, the Pakistan hockey team was invited to play in the Asia Cup that will be held in Rajgir, Bihar from August 29. However, Pakistan have refused to travel to India for the competition. And they will also not travel to India for the Women's ODI World Cup starting on September 30. They will play their matches in Colombo. 'If they don't want to come it is their choice. We took the stand going by the international Olympic Charter and we will follow the same in future,' said the ministry official. He also said for multilateral sporting events hosted in Pakistan, India will put 'safety and security of athletes' first. 'This parameter will not change. It is up to us to send the team to Pakistan in such events.' The new policy also said the country will be positioned as a 'preferred destination for hosting international sporting events.' The visa process for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of international federations shall be simplified. For office-bearers of international sports governing bodies, 'a multi-entry visa shall be granted on priority basis for the duration of their official tenure, subject to a maximum period of five years. This shall facilitate their smooth movement into and within the country, in accordance with international norms.' 'Due protocol and courtesies, as per established practice, shall be extended to the Heads of international sports governing bodies during their visits to India.' BCCI elections The government is keen to draw the structures of the National Sports Governance Act as soon as possible to ensure that elections of sports federations are held as per the new laws. The BCCI elections are scheduled next month. As per the new law passed in parliament this week, federation elections will be held by the National Sports Election Panel that will be constituted by the government as per the provisions of the Act. Federations will have to align their constitution as per the bill. Under the Act an executive body of NSF can have a maximum of 15 members, with representation of sportspersons, including four women representatives. Since 2016, BCCI has followed the recommendations of the RM Lodha Commission as directed by the Supreme Court. 'We want to notify the Act and form all the panels as early as possible. The process has already started. We want to ensure that elections should be held following the provisions of the new sports laws,' said a sports ministry official.
