SHIMLA, 06.12.24-Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania and Nahan MLA Ajay Solanki, in a joint statement issued today, expressed their pride in the state government’s unprecedented initiative to honour medal-winning athletes who have brought glory to Himachal Pradesh at national and international levels. They remarked that for the first time, the government was giving due recognition to the efforts and achievements of sportspersons, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.

They highlighted that the state government has taken a historic step by significantly increasing the prize money for athletes. This initiative not only honours their achievements but also encourages youth participation in sports. On 5^th December 2024, the government organised a felicitation ceremony in Shimla to honour 21 international medal-winning athletes, awarding them a total of Rs.14.77 crore in prize money.

The leaders also said that the congress government has also increased diet allowances for players which would provide better support for their training and well-being. During the previous BJP government’s tenure, diet allowances were as low as Rs. 150 for state-level Under-17 and Under-19 competitions and Rs. 250 for national-level events. These amounts have now been increased to Rs. 400 and Rs. 500, respectively. Similarly for Under-14 competitions, allowances have been raised from Rs. 120 and Rs. 250 to Rs. 250 and Rs.400. Athletes residing in sports hostels, who earlier received Rs.150 as diet money were now being given Rs. 400. Additionally, the government was providing airfare for players participating in competitions.

The state government has also taken a landmark decision to enhance the prize money for athletes who excel despite physical challenges, bringing it on par with the awards given to other players. For instance, the prize money for gold medal winners in the Olympics, Winter Olympics and Paralympics has been increased from Rs. 3 crore to Rs. 5 crore. Similarly, silver medal winners now receive Rs. 3 crore up from Rs. 2 crore, while bronze medal winners were awarded Rs. 2 crore, compared to the earlier Rs. 1 crore.

The leaders further said that athletes excelling in the Asian Games and Para Asian Games were also receiving significantly higher rewards. The prize money for gold medal winners in these events has been raised from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 4 crore. Silver medal winners now receive Rs. 2.50 crore, an increase from Rs. 30 lakh and bronze medal winners are awarded Rs. 1.50 crore up from Rs. 20 lakh. Commonwealth Games athletes have also seen similar increases, with gold medal winners now receiving Rs. 3 crore instead of Rs. 50 lakh, silver medal winners Rs. 2 crore instead of Rs. 30 lakh and bronze medal winners Rs. 1 crore instead of Rs. 20 lakh.

They highlighted that Paralympian Nishad Kumar from Una district was awarded an impressive Rs. 7.80 crore in recognition of his remarkable achievements. This initiative stands as one of the most significant efforts by the state government to reward excellence in sports and promote athletic talent on a grand scale. With this, Himachal Pradesh has positioned itself among the leading states in the country, offering such substantial prize money to sportspersons, reflecting its unwavering commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture and encouraging athletes to reach new heights.

They said that these changes also reflect the state government’s commitment to transforming Himachal Pradesh into a self-reliant and progressive state. By honouring athletes and supporting their aspirations the government was fostering a culture of excellence in sports and encouraging the youth to aim higher.