CM announces cash awards of Rs. 5.33 Crore for Himachal’s Asian Games medal winners

SHIMLA 28 September, 2026

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today announced cash awards of approximately Rs. 5.33 crore for medal winners from Himachal Pradesh at the Asian Games-2026 held at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in recognition of their outstanding performance, hard work and dedication that brought laurels to the State.

As per the Himachal Pradesh Sports Council Cash Award Rules, 2024, the four Himachali members of the 12-member Indian women’s Kabaddi team that won the Gold Medal. Pushpa Rana, Ritu Negi, Jyoti Thakur and Bhavna Thakur from Himachal will receive Rs. 33.33 lakh each. The total award for the Himachali players in the Kabaddi team will be approximately Rs. 1.33 crore, with the team award distributed in proportion to the participation of the players as per the rules.

Sawan Barwal of Mandi will receive Rs. 2.50 crore for winning the Silver Medal in the Men’s Marathon, while Seema Kumari Chamba will receive Rs. 1.50 crore for securing the Bronze Medal in the Women’s 10,000m event.

Congratulating the medal winners, their families, coaches and support staff, the Chief Minister said that their achievements were a matter of great pride for Himachal Pradesh. He said their dedication, discipline and determination had brought honour to the State and would inspire more youth to take up sports and strive for excellence at national and international levels.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the present State Government had made a historic increase in prize money to encourage and motivate sportspersons. Gold medalists at the Olympic, Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games are now awarded Rs. 5 crore, Silver medalists Rs. 3 crore and Bronze medalists Rs. 2 crore. At the Asian Games and Para Asian Games, Gold medalists are awarded Rs. 4 crore, Silver medalists Rs. 2.50 crore and Bronze medalists Rs. 1.50 crore. At the Commonwealth Games and Para Commonwealth Games, Gold medalists receive Rs. 3 crore, Silver medalists Rs. 2 crore and Bronze medalists Rs. 1 crore.

He said that in 2024, sportspersons who participated in or won medals at international competitions were awarded a total of Rs. 17.44 crore in prize money. Under the 3 percent sports quota, 99 sportspersons have so far been provided employment. Students participating in State- and national-level competitions are also being granted special leave to balance their studies and sporting activities.