In a big boost to sports and athletes, the Delhi government has announced a major step to support sportspersons who win medals at national and international levels. From now on, medal-winning athletes will not only get higher cash rewards but also receive assured government jobs. This announcement was made after a cabinet meeting held at the Delhi Secretariat on June21, 2025.
The move is part of a larger plan to stop athletes from shifting to other states that offer better rewards and opportunities. Over the years, many talented players from Delhi have chosen to represent other states, especially during national championships. This was mostly because those states provided them with better cash prizes, facilities and long-term support. The Delhi government now hopes to put an end to this trend.
Cash Prizes Get a Major Hike
Under the new plan, Olympic and Paralympic gold medal winners will now receive ₹7 crore. Earlier, this amount was ₹3 crore. Silver medalists will get ₹5 crore instead of ₹2 crore. Bronze medal winners will now be awarded ₹3 crore, which is a jump from the earlier ₹1 crore. This makes Delhi one of the highest paying states in terms of prize money for sporting achievements.
These revised cash awards will be offered under a revamped scheme called Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana. According to Delhi’s sports and education minister Ashish Sood, the government wants to ensure that Delhi becomes the top choice for athletes to live, train and compete. “Delhi is now offering the highest prize money for international medal winners in the country,” he said.
Government Jobs for Medalists
In addition to the increased prize money, the government has assured jobs to medal-winning athletes. Olympic and Paralympic gold and silver medalists will now be eligible for Group A government jobs. Bronze medalists will be offered Group B jobs. This move is aimed at giving long-term security and respect to sportspersons who bring glory to the country and to Delhi.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government is committed to supporting athletes not just with cash, but with career stability as well. “We are ensuring that athletes who make the nation proud can live a secure life and continue their training in Delhi,” he said.
Support from the School Level
The scheme is also aligned with central government programs like Khelo India and Fit India. It aims to offer financial support from the school level itself. This includes funding for training, equipment, nutrition and mental health. The idea is to catch young talent early and help them grow into successful athletes.
The government believes that real progress in sports can happen only when players are supported at every stage from childhood to championship. Delhi now wants to lead the way in this direction by offering not just the best rewards but also a strong support system.
A Boost for Sports in Delhi
Many sports experts have welcomed the move and called it a positive change. For a long time, Delhi lagged behind other states like Haryana and Maharashtra when it came to sports infrastructure and athlete support. But with this new plan, things could improve. It sends a clear message that Delhi is serious about becoming a hub for sports excellence.
This move will also motivate young players to take sports seriously. With the promise of high rewards and secure jobs, more students and their parents may now look at sports as a career option, not just a hobby.
The Delhi government has taken a bold step. Now, the key will be in how well the scheme is implemented. If done right, it could create a new generation of champions who are trained, supported and celebrated right from their own city.
For now, Delhi’s medal-winning athletes have something to cheer about. Their hard work will not only bring glory but also real rewards and job security.
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