Ahead Of National Games, Odisha Govt Announces Cash Incentives For State’s Medalists

Bhubaneswar: The Sports and Youth Services department of Odisha has announced cash incentives for the state’s medalists in the upcoming 37th edition of the National Games, scheduled to begin in Goa on October 26.

As per the announcement, anyone winning a gold medal will be awarded Rs 5 lakh, while a silver medalist will receive Rs 3 lakh and bronze Mmdalist will get Rs 2 lakh, for both individual and team events.

According to official sources, the Odisha contingent will feature over 300 athletes including 180 women and will be participating in 31 disciplines.

Extending his best wishes to the entire contingent, Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera said, “I am certain Odisha will shine at the competition. Over the recent years, our athletes are making their mark at many national and international events. We have seen the stellar exploits of some of our athletes in the Asian Games and the National Games will be no different.”

Earlier on Friday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a cash incentive of Rs 10 lakh each for the seven para-athletes from Odisha who will participate in the Asian Para Games being held from October 22 to 28.

Driven by the CM’s vision of ‘Sports for youth, youth for future’, Odisha has invested significantly in sports. With improved training and coaching facilities, enhanced sports infrastructure, and a range of support measures, athletes from Odisha are diligently preparing to deliver impressive performances at the National Games. The State’s commitment to identifying talent and nurturing its athletes has translated into a stronger, more determined contingent.

These investments in sports development are igniting the aspirations of young athletes and providing them with the tools and resources they need to compete at the highest level, setting the stage for Odisha to make a noteworthy mark in the upcoming National Games, ANI reported.

Naveen has also recognised the triumphs of Odisha athletes at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in China. Gold medalist and Hockey star Amit Rohidas was awarded Rs 1.5 crore, while Deep Grace Ekka received Rs 50 lakh for winning bronze medal. Javelin star Kishore Kumar Jena was also felicitated with Rs 1.5 crore for his performance.