Shimla, 26 January 2025: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that the state government will soon introduce a new policy for national-level players.
He was addressing a 200-member contingent of players heading to the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, scheduled from 28 January to 14 February 2025.
The CM extended his best wishes to the players and highlighted steps taken to promote sports. He said basic sports infrastructure is being developed at the district level.
Prize money for medal winners has also been significantly increased. Olympic gold medalists will now receive ₹5 crore, up from ₹3 crore. Silver medalists will get ₹3 crore (previously ₹2 crore), and bronze medalists ₹2 crore (up from ₹1 crore).
For the Asian Games, gold medalists will receive ₹4 crore (up from ₹50 lakh), silver ₹2.5 crore, and bronze ₹1.5 crore. Commonwealth Games winners will get ₹3 crore for gold, ₹2 crore for silver, and ₹1 crore for bronze.
The CM, himself a former sportsperson, stressed his commitment to player welfare. Diet allowances for players have been increased.
Under-17 and Under-19 players now receive ₹400 and ₹500 per day for state and national competitions, up from ₹150 and ₹250. For Under-14 players, allowances have been raised to ₹250 (state-level) and ₹400 (national-level).
Players in sports hostels will now get ₹400 as diet money, up from ₹150. Those traveling outside the state will be provided AC three-tier train fare for up to 200 km and economy-class airfare beyond 200 km.
