Maharashtra Expands Sports Cash Prize Scheme

Maharashtra has expanded and revised its sports cash prize scheme to provide higher financial rewards to medal-winning athletes and recognize the important role played by their coaches.

The decision was approved by the Maharashtra Cabinet at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The updated scheme brings more national, international, youth and para-sports competitions within its scope, giving athletes greater financial recognition for their achievements.

Maharashtra Increases National Games Prize Money

Under the revised Maharashtra sports cash prize scheme, medal winners at the National Games will receive higher rewards.

Gold medalists will now receive Rs 7 lakh, compared with Rs 5 lakh under the earlier scheme. The prize for silver medalists has increased to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 3 lakh, while bronze medalists will receive Rs 3 lakh, up from Rs 1.5 lakh.

The changes are aimed at encouraging athletes to compete at the highest levels and providing stronger financial support for their sporting careers.

Khelo India and World University Games Added

The revised scheme also strengthens support for athletes competing in major national and university-level events.

For the World University Games, the prize money has been set at Rs 10 lakh for gold, Rs 7 lakh for silver and Rs 5 lakh for bronze.

Athletes winning medals at Khelo India events will receive Rs 3 lakh for gold, Rs 2 lakh for silver and Rs 1 lakh for bronze.

The inclusion of Khelo India is expected to provide additional motivation for young athletes who are developing their skills through India's growing sports ecosystem.

Youth Olympics and Paralympics Rewards Rise Sharply

Maharashtra has also significantly increased the rewards for athletes competing in the Youth Olympics and Youth Paralympics.

Gold medal winners will now receive Rs 50 lakh, compared with Rs 22.5 lakh earlier. Silver medalists will receive Rs 30 lakh, while bronze medalists will receive Rs 20 lakh.

The higher rewards are designed to recognize young athletes who achieve success on international platforms at an early stage of their careers.

Rs 3 Crore Prize for Grand Slam Tennis Winners

The revised Maharashtra sports prize scheme also covers several major competitions in individual and team sports.

Winners of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments will receive a cash prize of Rs 3 crore each, while runners-up will receive Rs 2 crore.

In badminton, winners of the Thomas Cup, Uber Cup and Sudirman Cup will receive Rs 40 lakh, with runners-up eligible for Rs 20 lakh.

These provisions extend Maharashtra's financial recognition beyond traditional multi-sport competitions and include some of the world's most prestigious sporting events.

Hockey Players to Receive Higher Rewards

The revised scheme includes major hockey tournaments as well.

Winners of the senior Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and Champions Trophy will receive Rs 40 lakh, while runners-up will receive Rs 20 lakh.

For the junior Sultan Johor Cup, the winner will receive Rs 20 lakh and the runner-up will receive Rs 10 lakh.

The move is expected to encourage greater participation and performance in hockey while recognizing athletes who represent Maharashtra and India at important international competitions.

Coaches to Get a Share of Athlete Prize Money

One of the important features of the revised scheme is its recognition of coaches.

Coaches will receive 10% of an athlete's cash prize, with a maximum of three coaches eligible for the benefit.

The amount will be distributed based on the coach's contribution during different stages of training. Thirty percent each will be allocated to primary training and skill-development training, while 40% will be allocated to final or advanced training.

The provision acknowledges that sporting success is often the result of long-term guidance, technical preparation and continuous coaching support.

Para-Sports Receive Greater Recognition

The expanded scheme also includes a wider range of para-sports and competitions for athletes with disabilities.

New provisions cover events such as the Deaflympics, IBSA World Championships, Blind Cricket World Cup and Special Olympics World Games.

The inclusion of these competitions is expected to provide greater recognition to athletes competing in Deaf, blind and Special Olympics events.

Participation Rule Relaxed to Benefit More Athletes

Maharashtra has also relaxed an earlier eligibility condition related to international participation.

Previously, a competition was required to have participation from at least eight countries for prize money eligibility. Under the revised provisions, the prize structure will now be linked to the number of participating countries.

This change could allow more athletes to qualify for financial rewards and make the scheme more accessible across different international competitions.

Maharashtra Strengthens Support for Sporting Talent

The revised Maharashtra sports cash prize scheme represents a broader approach to supporting athletes at different stages of their careers. By covering National Games, Khelo India, Youth Olympics, para-sports and major international competitions, the state is expanding recognition across a wider sporting landscape.

Higher rewards can provide athletes with additional financial support as they manage training, equipment, travel and competition-related expenses. The inclusion of coaches also recognizes the people working behind the scenes to help athletes achieve better results.

A detailed government resolution outlining the revised provisions is expected to be issued shortly. The new framework could further strengthen Maharashtra's efforts to encourage sporting talent and reward athletes who bring recognition to the state through their performances.