Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

Winning a medal at an international sporting event takes years of hard work, discipline, and dedication. To recognise these achievements and encourage Indian athletes to aim for higher goals, the Government of India runs the Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches. Introduced in 1986, the scheme provides one-time cash awards to eligible Indian sportspersons who win medals at specified international competitions, along with incentives for their coaches. Under the current guidelines, an athlete who wins an individual gold medal at the Olympic or Paralympic Games can receive up to ₹75 lakh. The award amount varies according to the competition, medal won, and other scheme conditions.

The scheme is administered by the Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. Its main objectives are to reward outstanding sporting performances, motivate athletes to achieve greater success, and inspire young people to take up sports. The scheme covers specified events across eligible sports disciplines, including the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and selected World Championships and other international competitions. The applicable cash incentive depends on the event category and whether the medal is gold, silver, or bronze.

Eligible Indian sportspersons must meet the scheme's conditions, including participation in an event listed under the current guidelines. For most eligible competitions other than major multi-sport events such as the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games, minimum international participation requirements may also apply. Team-event awards are calculated according to the prescribed rules, and eligible coaches can receive incentives linked to the athlete's award. Winning a medal does not automatically guarantee payment; the achievement and application must meet the scheme's requirements.

Sportspersons can apply online through the official DBT-MIS portal. Applications should generally be submitted within six months of the sporting achievement, with the required details and supporting documents. Applicants can use the portal to submit their application and check its status. For assistance with the scheme or application process, they can contact the Department of Sports through the official portal or consult the contact details provided there.

Athletes looking for other forms of support can also explore related schemes such as Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Program for Sportspersons which offers assistance to eligible sportspersons facing financial hardship, medical needs, or sports-related injuries.

Scheme Benefits

The Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches rewards Indian athletes for their achievements at eligible international sporting competitions. The main benefits of the scheme are:

• Eligible Olympic and Paralympic medal winners can receive up to ₹75 lakh for a gold medal, ₹50 lakh for silver, and ₹30 lakh for bronze.
• Athletes winning medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games can receive up to ₹30 lakh for gold, ₹20 lakh for silver, and ₹10 lakh for bronze.
• Eligible medal winners at specified World Championships, World Cups, and other international competitions can also receive cash awards, depending on the event and medal.
• Each eligible member of a team receives 75% of the individual medal award applicable to the same event.
• Eligible coaches can receive an incentive equal to 50% of the athlete's applicable cash award, distributed according to the scheme's rules.
• Athletes who win multiple medals may receive an award for each medal at the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, and Para Asian Games. At other eligible events, generally only the highest medal award is given.
• The scheme recognises achievements across specified able-bodied, para-sports, and diverse-ability international sporting events.
• The cash award is paid through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), subject to verification and approval under the scheme guidelines.

Cash Award Amount for Different Sports Events

The cash award under this scheme depends on the type of international competition, the medal won, and how frequently the event is held. The following table shows the main award amounts for eligible senior-level individual events under the scheme guidelines effective from 1 February 2025.

These amounts are subject to the scheme's eligibility and participation rules. Different rates apply to certain para-sports and diverse-ability sporting events. For the full list of events and applicable awards, refer to the official scheme guidelines.

Cash Incentives for Coaches

Behind an athlete's success is often a coach who provides training, guidance, and support. To recognise this contribution, the Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches also provides financial incentives to eligible coaches associated with medal-winning athletes.

The coach incentive is calculated as 50% of the applicable cash award for the athlete. The amount is then distributed according to the coaching categories and other conditions specified in the scheme.

How Is the Coach Incentive Divided?

For individual events, the total coach incentive is divided among three coaching categories as follows:

Important Rules for Coach Incentives

• The total coach incentive is 50% of the applicable athlete award, subject to the scheme's rules.
• If more than one coach is nominated in the same category, that category's share is divided equally among them.
• For team events, the coach incentive is calculated using the corresponding award applicable under the scheme.
• A sportsperson may nominate an eligible akhara or academy instead of an individual coach, subject to the prescribed conditions.
• The nominated coach, akhara, or academy must meet the Ministry's registration and other applicable requirements.

Example of a Coach Incentive

Suppose an athlete wins an Olympic gold medal and qualifies for the cash award of ₹75 lakh. The total coach incentive would be ₹37.5 lakh, calculated as 50% of the athlete's award.

The amounts shown above are an illustration of how the incentive is divided. The actual payment depends on the athlete's approved award, eligible nominations, and the conditions laid down in the official scheme guidelines.

Eligibility Requirements

To receive benefits under the Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches, sportspersons must meet the eligibility conditions specified by the Government of India. The main requirements are:

• The applicant must be an Indian sportsperson who has won a medal at an eligible international sporting event.
• The competition must be included in the list of events and sports covered under the current scheme guidelines.
• For most individual events, at least four countries must participate for an award to be considered. The applicable award amount depends on the number of participating countries and the event's rules.
• For team events, the minimum participation requirement depends on the number of countries or teams taking part. The award may be reduced or not granted if participation is below the prescribed limit.
• The minimum participation rules do not apply to the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Para Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
• The sportsperson must submit the online application through the official DBT-MIS portal, generally within six months of the sporting achievement.
• The applicant must provide the information and supporting documents required to verify the medal and participation details.
• Coaches can receive incentives if they meet the conditions specified in the scheme guidelines. Their awards are calculated according to the applicable rules.

Meeting these conditions does not automatically guarantee payment. The application and sporting achievement must be verified and approved under the scheme guidelines.

Eligible Sports and International Events

Not every international competition automatically qualifies for a cash award under this scheme. The Department of Sports has identified specific sports disciplines and international events that are eligible for financial incentives. The main categories covered under the current guidelines are listed below.

The scheme covers only the competitions specified in the current guidelines. Eligibility may depend on the event, its frequency, and other conditions. The Department of Sports may revise the list by adding, modifying, or removing eligible events.

Before applying, sportspersons should check the official scheme guidelines to confirm whether their particular sport and competition qualify for a cash award.

Minimum Participation Requirements

For most eligible international competitions, the amount of cash incentive depends partly on how many countries participate. The scheme provides the full award when participation meets the prescribed threshold, a reduced award when fewer countries participate, and no award when participation is below the minimum limit.

If the maximum number of participants permitted under the event rules is lower than the usual full-award threshold, the scheme uses that lower maximum as the threshold for the full award.

These participation rules do not apply to the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Para Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.

Required Documents

To apply for the Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches, applicants should keep the necessary details and supporting documents ready for verification. These may include:

• Proof of the medal won, such as an official result, medal certificate, or competition result document.
• Aadhaar card or other required identity details.
• Bank account details, including the account number and IFSC, for receiving the cash award through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Details of the international sporting event, including the event name, date, venue, and medal won.
• Team participation details, where applicable.
• Coach details, if a coach is being nominated for an incentive.

The exact documents required may vary depending on the application and verification process. Applicants should check the official DBT-MIS portal for the latest requirements before submitting their application.

Steps to Apply

Sportspersons who have won medals at eligible international sporting events can apply for the cash award online. The application process is managed through the Department of Sports' DBT-MIS portal, and the application must generally be submitted within six months of the event's conclusion. Follow these steps to apply:

1. Open the official DBT-MIS portal of the Department of Sports.
2. On the homepage, click the Registration option to create an account if you are applying for the first time. Enter the required details to complete registration.
3. If you already have an account, select Sportsperson Login and sign in using your registered login details.
4. After logging in, find and select the Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches.
5. Fill in the application form with your personal information, bank account details, and details of the international competition in which you won a medal.
6. Provide the required information about your medal, team, and coach, wherever applicable. Upload the supporting documents requested on the portal.
7. Check all the details carefully and submit the application. Save your application number or acknowledgement so you can refer to it later.
8. To check your application progress, log in to the portal and select Application Status from the menu. Enter your application number to view the latest status.

There is no service charge for submitting an application through the portal. If you need help with registration or the application process, you can call the official helpdesk at 1800-202-5155 or 1800-258-5155, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

For the latest instructions, refer to the scheme guidelines available in the portal's Knowledge Hub.

Rules for Team Events and Multiple Medals

The scheme has separate rules for team competitions and athletes who win more than one medal at an international event. These rules determine how the cash award is calculated and whether an athlete can receive an award for each medal.

• In an eligible team event, each team member receives 75% of the corresponding individual-event award for the same medal, level, and category of participation.
• The team award covers eligible players on the team, including bench and reserve players, according to the scheme's conditions.
• For example, if the applicable individual-event bronze medal award is ₹30 lakh, each eligible member of a team winning that medal may receive ₹22.5 lakh, subject to the scheme rules.
• At the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, and Para Asian Games, eligible athletes may receive a cash award for each medal won in individual or team events.
• At other eligible international events, an athlete who wins multiple medals generally receives the award only for the highest-ranking medal won in that event.
• All awards remain subject to the minimum participation requirements wherever those requirements apply.

Relevant Links

• Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports – Official Website
• DBT-MIS Portal for Online Applications
• Revised Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches Scheme Guidelines
• Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches Scheme Online Registration User Manual
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Contact Information

For questions about the Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches, applicants can contact the Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.

Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

• Phone: 011-23387432 / 011-23385101
• Toll-free helpdesk: 1800-202-5155 / 1800-258-5155
• Email for scheme-related queries: [email protected]
• Email for technical queries: [email protected]
• Address: Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi – 110001
• Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, excluding public holidays.
• Online application helpdesk hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

For application assistance, applicants can also refer to the official Contact Us page.