Bengaluru: Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to sports development, Karnataka has announced a cash reward of ₹6 crore for athletes who win a gold medal at the Olympic Games, expressing confidence that sportspersons from the state will rise to the global challenge.
The announcement was made while addressing the Karnataka Olympic Awards–2025 ceremony organised by the Karnataka Olympics Association in Bengaluru.
Congratulating the sportspersons who received the Karnataka Olympic 2025 Awards, the Chief Minister recalled that the Karnataka Olympics Association, established in 1958, has played a significant role in nurturing sports and athletes in the state for over six decades.
He noted that after Legislative Council Member Govindaraj assumed charge as president of the association, it has become more active and impactful. The Chief Minister also highlighted that the foundation stone and inauguration of the Karnataka Olympics Association building were completed during his tenure. Karnataka, he added, is among the few states—along with Andhra Pradesh and Kerala—where the Olympics association functions from its own dedicated building, actively promoting all sporting disciplines.
Major Incentives for Olympic Medalists
Emphasising that sports is a priority sector for the government, the Chief Minister announced a structured incentive package for Olympic achievers:
- ₹6 crore for Gold medalists
- ₹4 crore for Silver medalists
- ₹3 crore for Bronze medalists
The initiative, he said, is aimed at motivating Karnataka’s athletes to compete at the highest international level and bring glory to the state and the country.
Sportsmanship & Determination Key to Success
The Chief Minister stressed that with hard work, discipline, and unwavering focus, Karnataka’s athletes are fully capable of winning medals at the Olympics. He expressed strong confidence that sportspersons from the state would secure gold medals in future Olympic Games.
Highlighting the importance of values in sport, he said sportsmanship is as vital as victory, and goal-oriented dedication should become a lifelong pursuit for young athletes.
Sports Quota in Government Jobs
In a major announcement for aspiring sportspersons, the Chief Minister said the government has provided reservation for athletes in government recruitment:
- 3% reservation in the Police and Forest Departments
- 2% reservation in other departments
A government order for recruitment under the sports quota will be issued in January 2026, he announced, urging more youth to actively participate in sports and consider athletics as a viable career path.
