Karnataka hikes Asian Games medal cash awards; gold medallists to get ₹1 crore

(L-R) Athletes Sneha S.S., Tilottama Sen, Aditi Ashok and M.R. Poovamma, with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar during the felicitation ceremony for Karnataka athletes who won medals at the Asian Games 2026. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

The Karnataka government has increased the cash awards for the State’s Asian Games 2026 medallists, with gold medallists set to receive ₹1 crore, silver medallists ₹75 lakh and bronze medallists ₹50 lakh.

For the first time, the government has also sanctioned a ₹5 lakh incentive for each of the 20 Karnataka athletes who qualified for and participated in the Asian Games.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister and Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister G. Parameshwara felicitated Karnataka athletes who won medals at the Asian Games 2026 at Vidhana Soudha on Tuesday (October 6, 2026).

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government was taking steps to recognise sporting achievements while providing athletes with financial and employment security.