The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has announced a major enhancement in its sports incentive policy through the Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana. Cash awards for Olympic and Paralympic medal winners have been more than doubled, with gold medallists now eligible for ₹7 crore (up from ₹3 crore), silver medallists ₹5 crore, and bronze medallists ₹3 crore.

Alongside financial incentives, the state will offer top medal winners secure government employment in Group A, B, or C posts, depending on their achievement. The initiative aims to empower youth, retain sporting talent within Delhi, and promote broader sports development through increased support for training, nutrition, and grassroots engagement.

Championing Sporting Excellence: Cash, Careers, and Care

The revised Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana marks a significant shift in Delhi’s approach to nurturing sports talent. Minister Ashish Sood highlighted, “Delhi is now the leading state in India offering the highest cash rewards and employment assurance for Olympic and Paralympic medal winners.”

Beyond the ₹7 crore for gold medallists, silver and bronze winners will receive ₹5 crore and ₹3 crore respectively, substantially higher than previous allowances which were ₹3 crore, ₹2 crore, and ₹1 crore. Significantly, government jobs will be offered: gold and silver medallists can secure Group A posts, while bronze medallists may receive Group B or C jobs. This policy change underscores Delhi’s commitment to supporting athletes beyond the podium — recognising their sacrifices and providing financial security.

Further, the Delhi government has expanded support to include up to ₹20 lakh for elite athletes’ expenses related to coaching, equipment, nutrition, physiotherapy, and psychological well-being. School-level prodigies will receive ₹5 lakh assistance, aiming to nurture talent from an early stage.

“We want to create an ecosystem where athletes can dream bigger, train better, and remain rooted in Delhi,” Chief Minister Gupta remarked at the policy launch. Stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and sports organisations, have largely welcomed this move, seeing it as a much-needed elevation in the city’s sports culture. Paralympians, whose efforts have often been overlooked, expressed particular optimism about the increased recognition and inclusivity this scheme promotes.

A Strategic Response to Talent Drain and Competitive Pressures

This enhanced scheme comes against the backdrop of growing competition among states to attract and support athletes. Over the past decade, Delhi faced criticism for inadequate incentives, which led many champions to move to neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, where rewards and jobs were more generous. Wrestler Divya Kakran, among others, publicly cited better support outside Delhi as a reason for shifting base.

Besides the cash awards and employment guarantees, the scheme aligns with national initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India, dovetailing increased infrastructure investment with grassroots development. Delhi plans expanded coaching clinics, accessible sports centres, and talent identification programmes in schools and communities. The government hopes this holistic approach will lay the foundation for a stronger sports ecosystem and continued international success.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

At The Logical Indian, we commend the Delhi government’s comprehensive and ambitious approach to sports empowerment that centres on recognition, opportunity, and inclusion. Offering substantial cash awards alongside career security sends a powerful message of respect and value towards athletes, including Paralympians who often face marginalisation. Yet, true change requires sustained efforts beyond incentives: accessible training facilities, mental health support, mentorship, and an enabling environment for all socio-economic groups. Sports have the power to foster discipline, teamwork, equality, and unity — vital values for a healthy society.

This policy is a hopeful step towards institutionalising such values and inspiring the youth of Delhi and India at large. However, it also demands vigilant implementation and community engagement to ensure benefits reach deserving athletes regardless of background.