Deputy CM Parameshwara lifts cash rewards and pledges 2% job quota for athletes at Dasara sports meet

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara announced on Sunday that prize money for champions of the Dasara sports competition will rise sharply and that a two‑percent reservation for sportspersons will be added to future government hires. The declaration came while inaugurating the Dasara Sports Meet‑CM Cup 2026 inside Mysuru’s Chamundi Vihar Indoor Stadium, where he highlighted the historic link between the festival and sports, noting patronage by the Vijayanagara kings and the Mysuru Wadiyars. Parameshwara detailed the new financial incentives: gold‑medal performers at international events will receive a cash award of one crore rupees, silver winners fifty‑five lakh, and bronze achievers forty‑five lakh. He stressed that while money cannot fully repay the hard work and sacrifices of athletes, the state will also boost facilities and overall support. MLA Tanveer Sait called for better training centres at the district level, arguing that improved infrastructure will help more athletes reach national and global stages. MLC K. Govindaraj echoed the sentiment, saying the enhanced prize amounts and job quota aim to keep talented sportspersons from seeking work elsewhere. The ceremony also honored Asian Games gold‑medallist golfer Pranavi S. Urs and Commonwealth Games para‑athlete Shilpa K.S., who attended as special guests. Animal Husbandry Minister C. Puttarangashetty and several other officials were present.

Context

These measures form part of Karnataka’s broader push to nurture sports talent, combining monetary rewards with employment opportunities to create a more sustainable career path for athletes.