From Neeraj Chopra to Manu Bhaker: Cash Prizes for India’s Olympic Medal Winners
The performance by India at the Paris Olympics 2024 ended with the total medals count at six, one less than what was clinched in Tokyo. While the shooting contingent became a ray of hope, other sports like boxing and badminton failed to fetch any medal. Against such odds, the Indian athletes shone bright with their talent and another level of determination, which certainly calls for recognition and rewards. Let’s take a closer look at how much cash each of the medal winners takes home.
Manu Bhaker: The Shooting Star
In Paris, Manu Bhaker emerged as one of the star attractions for India, with a medal a pair, in fact in the individual event in shooting and another in the mixed team event, partnering with Sarabjot Singh. Her sterling performances have now been rewarded with a cash prize of Rs 30 lakh by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Besides, Bhaker was also given the distinction of being the flag bearer for India at the closing ceremony, acknowledgement of her being one of the country’s top athletes.
Sarabjot Singh: Rising Star
Like Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, who had partnered with Bhaker for the gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, is also all set to be bestowed an amount of Rs 22.5 lakh from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This not only proves how skilled he is, but also further suggests how the shooting culture is creating more popularity in a country like India.
Legends of Indian Men’s Hockey
The Indian Men’s Hockey Team followed their lead and won an inspiring bronze medal, their second at the Olympics. Each player will be rewarded with a prize of Rs 15 lakh in cash by Hockey India, while the staff will earn Rs 7.5 lakh each. However, Odisha Chief Minister announced as much as a cash reward of Rs 4 crores to defender Amit Rohidas. Further, the announcement of a cash prize of Rs 1 crore by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for hockey players belonging to Punjab will also benefit other players from the team and further reinforce the legacy of the game in the region.
Swapnil Kusale: A Shooting Sensation
Swapnil Kusale did win the bronze in the men’s 50m rifle 3 position event. For this medal, Kusale secures a cash award of a whopping Rs1 crore to be given by the Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He has also been promoted as Officer on Special Duty by the Central Railways, a move that will act as a propellant in his career after such a commendable hustling.
Neeraj Chopra: The Performer
History maker Neeraj Chopra of Tokyo Olympics continued his impressive performance to take silver in men’s javelin throw in Paris, though no official announcement of cash prize has been declared as yet. Lots of expectations hang in the balance based on past rewards: four years ago, the Haryana government announced a cash reward of Rs 6 crore to him immediately following his Olympic victory. Skills have always paid rewards, and similar or even greater ones are expected with his latest achievements.
Aman Sehrawat: Grappling to Glory
Wrestler Aman Sehrawat was another star to win the bronze at the Paris Olympics, his category being 57 kg freestyle. Though the exact amounts of cash rewards for the achievement are yet to be announced, it is expected that he will be compensated with a lot of adulation and financial support when needed after the success achieved globally.
Conclusion: A Reflection of Commitment and Growth
The cash awards to these sportspersons reflect a recognition not only of their determination and hard work but also an increase in investment in sports by India while fostering athletic achievements. The way shooting left no stones unturned while making its impacts gives an impression that India indeed has a bright future in the field of sports in almost every sphere. The Olympic medallists of Paris 2024 have surely shone their light for the upcoming budding sportspersons, showing the way to rise high and achieve their dreams in this vibrant field.
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