On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced that members of the Armed Forces will receive financial incentives. These cash rewards are bestowed upon medalists from the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, which took place in Hangzhou, China, during September-October last year. The approved cash rewards extend to 7 Para athletes and 45 medal winners.
45 Medallists athletes honored by Rajnath Singh
The ministry reported that among the 45 athletes, there were 9 gold, 18 silver, and 17 bronze medalists in the Asian Games, and one gold, four silver, and bronze medalists in the Asian Para Games.
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This marks the first-time introduction of a cash incentive by the Ministry of Defence for military personnel. The aim is to further motivate these athletes to deliver an even better performance at the qualifying events for the Paris Olympics Games 2024, for which they are currently in preparation.
For the gold medal winners in both the Asian Games and Asian Para Games, a cash prize of Rs 25 lakhs each will be awarded. Silver medalists will receive Rs 15 lakhs each, and bronze medal winners will be granted Rs 10 lakhs each.
Aim of Cash Rewards to Medallists
The objective of the rewards is to further encourage athletes to demonstrate improved performance at the qualifying games for the Paris Olympics in 2024. This financial incentive, initiated by the Ministry of Defence for the Armed Forces personnel for the first time, aims to boost the motivation of these athletes as they prepare for the qualifying events of the Paris Olympics Games 2024, according to the official statement.
As outlined in a press release by the Ministry of Defence, the initiative is designed to acknowledge and motivate athletes for their dedication and excellence on the international stage. Following their successful return, the medallist athletes were acknowledged by the Defence Minister, who commended their exemplary display of skill and sportsmanship.
What the Rajnath Singh said
During the recent ceremony honoring sportspeople in the defense services, Rajnath Singh commended the determination of the athletes, giving recognition to those who secured 4th place in their respective competitions but persevered to clinch medals. Singh specifically highlighted the example of Milkha Singh, the Flying Sikh, who narrowly missed a medal in the 400-meter race at the 1960 Olympics in Rome but went on to become an influential figure in Indian athletics.
Singh expressed confidence that the accomplishments and medals achieved by these athletes would serve as a source of inspiration for the youth of the nation to actively engage in sports. He applauded the consistent success of Armed Forces personnel as medal winners in various sporting events.
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Conclusion
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given his nod to cash incentives for members of the armed forces who clinched medals at the 19th Asian Games and 4th Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China, during September-October 2023. Commending the exceptional performance of various military athletes, Singh honored them and approved monetary rewards for a total of 45 medal winners, including 7 para-athletes.