
Win big, earn big: Delhi rolls out record rewards for medal winners
Under the newly approved 'Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana' (Chief Minister Sports Promotion Scheme), athletes from Delhi who win medals at events such as the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games (CWG), and Paralympic tournaments will not only receive the highest cash prizes among Indian States but also be eligible for direct recruitment to government jobs in Grade A, B, or C categories, depending on the level of achievement.
Delhi Sports Minister Ashish Sood, announcing the decision, said the policy is designed to promote sporting excellence, provide long-term career security to athletes, and retain home-grown talent in the city.
'Delhi now offers the highest financial recognition to medal winners,' Mr. Sood said, adding that the move was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Khelo India' and 'Fit India' campaigns.
Mr. Sood said Olympic gold and silver medallists, along with Asian Games gold winners, will qualify for Grade A posts in the Delhi government. Those securing Olympic bronze, Asian Games silver and bronze, CWG gold and silver, and gold in Paralympic and Para Asian Games will be eligible for Grade B posts. All remaining medallists from the CWG, Para CWG, and Para Asian Games will be offered Grade C roles, he added.
In addition, the policy also includes financial support for training and travel. State and national-level athletes will be eligible for training support of up to ₹5 lakh, with equal coverage for medical insurance. Elite athletes may receive up to ₹20 lakh in assistance, with ₹10 lakh in health coverage. Athletes competing in events recognised by the International Olympic Committee and its affiliates will be entitled to up to ₹2 lakh to cover travel, stay, meals, and tournament registration.

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