Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Deputy Chief Minister and Youth Empowerment and Sports Minister G. Parameshwara felicitated the state's Asian Games 2026 medallists at an event held at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Tuesday. Mohit H. S., Aditi Ashok, M.R. Poovamma, Ayush Shetty, Tilottama Sen, Shreyanka Patil, Sneha S.S. and other athletes were honoured for their performances representing India at the continental sporting event.
Shivakumar congratulated the athletes and praised their discipline, determination and commitment to sport. He said their achievements had brought pride to Karnataka and could inspire more young people to pursue sporting careers. The Chief Minister also reaffirmed the state government's commitment to supporting athletes and strengthening opportunities for sportspersons to compete at national and international levels.
Parameshwara outlined several measures aimed at providing greater financial and career support to athletes. The cash awards for Asian Games medallists have been substantially increased, with gold medallists now eligible for Rs 1 crore, silver medallists Rs 75 lakh and bronze medallists Rs 50 lakh, compared with the earlier awards of Rs 35 lakh, Rs 25 lakh and Rs 15 lakh respectively.
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Eight Karnataka athletes will receive the revised medal awards following the 2026 Asian Games. Each of the eight medallists will also receive an additional Rs 5 lakh participation incentive. For the first time, all 20 Karnataka athletes who qualified for and competed at the Games have also been sanctioned a Rs 5 lakh incentive, recognising their achievement in reaching the international competition.
The state government has also announced measures aimed at providing longer-term career and sporting support. Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medallists have been made eligible for direct recruitment to Group-B government posts through a selection committee headed by the Chief Secretary. Under the Guri: Olympics scheme, M.R. Poovamma, Sneha S.S., Shreyanka Patil and Shilpa K.S. have been selected for 2026-27 and will receive Rs 10 lakh each towards Olympic preparation, training and related requirements.
Parameshwara further said Karnataka has introduced a 2 per cent reservation for accomplished sportspersons in direct recruitment to Group-A, Group-B, Group-C and Group-D posts in the state government. A notification regarding the provision was issued on October 3. The government said the measures are intended to strengthen the sporting ecosystem while providing athletes with financial assistance, employment security and opportunities to prepare for major international competitions.
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