Sports ministry announces cash rewards for Paralympians after historic campaign

The Indian government announced cask rewards for Paralympic medallists after the country's historic showing in Paris, earlier in the month of September. Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced cash rewards for the athletes who won a medal in Paris during a felicitation ceremony on Tuesday, September 10.

Mandaviya while speaking at the event said that the gold medallists will receive Rs 75 lakh, silver winners Rs 50 lakh, and bronze medallists Rs 30 lakh from the government. Athletes excelling in mixed team events, such as archer Sheetal Devi, will be awarded Rs 22.50 lakh. The sports minister also pledged full support and facilities for para-athletes to aim for more medals at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.

"The country is rising in Paralympics and para sports. From 4 medals in 2016, India won 19 medals in



Tokyo and 29 in Paris, finishing in 18th place," Mandaviya said.

"We will provide all the facilities to our para-athletes so that we can win more medals and gold medals in the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics," he further added.

India's Paralympic contingent concluded their most successful campaign ever at the Paris 2024 Games, securing an impressive 29 medals-seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze. The Paris Games have proven to be a landmark for India, who finished 18th in the overall medals table, surpassing its previous record and establishing the country as a rising force in para-sports.

India celebrated its remarkable overall performance across multiple sports, defeating powerhouses such as Switzerland, South Korea, Belgium, and Argentina, all of whom finished behind India in the standings.