Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister G. Parameshwara on Monday said the state government is reconsidering the cash rewards offered to sportspersons, particularly in light of incentives announced by other states. He said the government has collected details of prize amounts provided elsewhere and is examining whether Karnataka’s existing awards need to be revised.

Speaking to reporters near the West Gate of Vidhana Soudha, Parameshwara said he had already discussed the matter with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He indicated that the revised prize structure would be announced on Tuesday after the government completes its assessment. The move comes amid calls from athletes for stronger financial support and greater recognition of medal-winning performances.

Parameshwara also said he had personally spoken to several successful athletes about the incentives available to them. He referred to M.R. Poovamma, a member of India’s women’s 4x400-metre relay team that won gold at the Asian Games, saying the government had attempted to contact her while she was in Japan. He later spoke with her shortly after her return to India and discussed the concerns raised by athletes.

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Poovamma had expressed dissatisfaction over Karnataka’s Rs 35 lakh cash reward for an Asian Games gold medal. She urged the state government to increase the incentives for medal winners, arguing that stronger financial assistance would provide greater encouragement and support to athletes pursuing international success.

The athlete had also voiced disappointment that she did not receive immediate calls from state or district authorities following her medal-winning performance in Japan. Her concerns prompted further communication with the state leadership, with Chief Minister Shivakumar and Parameshwara subsequently contacting her. Shivakumar also invited her for a meeting to discuss the state’s sports reward policies.

Parameshwara said Karnataka would take the incentive structures of other states into account before finalising the revised awards. He added that he and Shivakumar would jointly announce the new prize amounts on Tuesday. The decision is expected to determine whether Karnataka increases its financial rewards for athletes who win medals at major national and international competitions.

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