The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced a cash bonanza for the winners of the recent Youth Asian Games held in Bahrain from October 23-31. This decision underscores the IOA's commitment to nurturing young talent and recognizing their achievements on the international stage.
India had a record-breaking performance at the 3rd Asian Youth Games, securing a total of 48 medals. The breakdown includes 13 gold, 18 silver, and 17 bronze medals. This achievement surpasses India's previous tallies from the 2009 and 2013 editions of the Games.
In light of this accomplishment, the IOA has decided to award cash prizes to all medal winners, their coaches, and even athletes who secured fourth positions. Gold medalists will receive ₹5 lakh each, while silver and bronze medalists will be awarded ₹3 lakh and ₹2 lakh, respectively. Furthermore, those who finished in fourth place will receive ₹50,000 each. Coaches of medal-winning athletes will also be honored with ₹1 lakh each. In addition, both the men's and women's Kabaddi teams will receive ₹10 lakh each for their outstanding performance.
P.T. Usha, President of the IOA, expressed immense pride in the young athletes' performance at the Games. She stated that their achievements reflect the future of Indian sports and the potential within the country's youth. The IOA has pledged to provide every possible support to nurture and develop this emerging talent. The IOA also acknowledged the efforts of the coaches, National Sports Federations, and support teams.
The IOA recognizes that these performances are the result of sustained effort, rigorous training, and invaluable guidance from coaches and support staff. The cash rewards are a token of appreciation for their dedication, discipline, and commitment to excellence. The IOA will felicitate all medal winners, coaches, and fourth-place finishers at a special ceremony soon.
India's success at the 2025 Asian Youth Games demonstrates the growing strength and depth of the country's youth sporting ecosystem. This cash bonanza from the IOA will further motivate young athletes to pursue their sporting dreams and bring glory to the nation.
