CM DK Shivakumar announces Rs 80 million reward for Asian Games athletes

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has unveiled a substantial reward package of Rs 8 crore for the state's medal-winning athletes from the upcoming Asian Games 2026. At an event held at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar felicitated all 20 athletes who competed in the Games, promising an equal cash award of Rs 5 lakh to each participant, irrespective of their medal status.

The government has also increased the rewards for medal winners; gold medallists will now receive Rs 1 crore, silver medallists will get Rs 75 lakh, and bronze medalists will receive Rs 50 lakh, all up from previous amounts. Additionally, the state has introduced direct recruitment opportunities for Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medallists, with the successful candidates being inducted into Group-B posts through a selection committee led by the Chief Secretary.

Furthermore, the government has introduced a 2% reservation in direct state government recruitment for high-performing athletes across various ranks. These measures aim to provide financial assistance and employment opportunities to athletes while bolstering preparations for future international competitions.

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