Kamal Ghorui
Uttar Pradesh has stepped up its efforts to emerge as a major sporting hub, with the government led by Yogi Adityanath rolling out one of the most ambitious incentive structures for athletes in the country. The state’s focus is clear — encouraging youth to pursue sports as a serious career option rather than just a recreational activity.At the heart of this push is a comprehensive monetary rewards scheme for medal winners across international and national competitions. The government has announced a whopping Rs 6 crore for an individual Olympic gold medallist from the state, along with Rs 4 crore for silver and Rs 2 crore for bronze. Team event winners are also generously rewarded, with Rs 3 crore for gold, Rs 2 crore for silver and Rs 1 crore for bronze.Massive rewards aimed at inspiring the next generationThe incentive structure extends beyond the Olympics to other major international events such as the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. Athletes winning individual gold medals in these competitions will receive Rs 3 crore, while silver and bronze medallists will be awarded Rs 1.5 crore and Rs 75 lakh respectively.At the national level too, the state has ensured recognition for excellence. Individual gold medallists will receive Rs 6 lakh, silver winners Rs 4 lakh and bronze medallists Rs 2 lakh. For team events, the rewards stand at Rs 2 lakh for gold, Rs 1 lakh for silver and Rs 50,000 for bronze.This structured approach aims to build a strong pipeline of athletes from grassroots to elite levels, ensuring that talent is both identified and rewarded consistently.Job security and long-term support for athletesBeyond financial incentives, the Uttar Pradesh government has also prioritised post-career security for sportspersons through job provisions in various state departments. Since Yogi Adityanath took office, more than 500 athletes have been given government jobs, mostly in the police department. International medallists are often recruited as gazetted officers, underlining the state’s commitment to recognising sporting excellence.Prominent examples include India women’s cricketer Deepti Sharma, who was appointed as a DSP in the UP Police after her standout performances, and track star Parul Chaudhary, who also serves in a similar role. The policy has provided athletes with both financial stability and social recognition.Interestingly, the state’s support has extended beyond its own athletes as well. After the Tokyo Olympics, Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra was honoured by the UP government despite not being from the state, reflecting its broader commitment to celebrating sporting success.The state’s growing sporting ecosystem will also be on display during the upcoming The Times of India Sports Awards, set to be held in Lucknow on March 21, 2026. Athletes from Uttar Pradesh feature prominently among the nominees, with 15 names — including 13 athletes and two coaches — earning recognition across disciplines such as athletics, cricket, hockey, shooting and para sports.From cricketers like Deepti Sharma and Kuldeep Yadav to track and field athletes such as Gulveer Singh, Sachin Yadav, Parul Chaudhary and Rupal Chaudhary, the state’s representation underlines the impact of sustained policy support.
