Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches is still running and gives cash rewards to Indian sportspersons who win medals at international events. Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports manages this central scheme, and in 2026 the focus has shifted to paying these rewards fast so that athletes do not have to wait for their prize money.
This year the spotlight is on the Commonwealth Games 2026, which ended in Glasgow with the Indian team finishing fourth on the medals table. India returned with 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and 9 bronze. The sports department has set up a faster payment process so that medal winners get their cash cheques within a few days of reaching home, instead of waiting for many months like before.
Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches 2026
This long-running scheme was first started in 1986 with the aim of rewarding outstanding sportspersons for their success on the world stage. Over the years it has been updated from time to time, and the latest amended version is effective from 01 February 2025. The main idea is simple: give a direct cash reward to every medal winner and to the coaches who trained them, so that more young people feel encouraged to take up sports as a career.
The scheme covers all major international events. These include the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Para Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships, along with youth and para-sport events. In April 2026 the department also added the Para Asian Championship to the list of eligible events, so para-athletes now get more chances to claim the reward.
One of the biggest changes this year is the speed of payment. Earlier, medal winners had to submit many documents and the files had to pass through several departments before the sports minister gave the final approval, a process that took at least six months. Now the details are verified in advance and the cash reward is pushed out within four to five days of the athlete's return. This is a big relief for athletes who depend on the money to continue training.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches |
| Ministry | Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Department of Sports |
| Started In | 1986 |
| Latest Amendment | Effective 01.02.2025 |
| Beneficiaries | Indian medal winners and their coaches |
| Application Mode | Online through DBT-MIS portal of Department of Sports |
| Application Deadline | Within six months of the event |
| 2026 Update | Fast-track payout and Para Asian Championship added |
| Official Website | yas.gov.in |
Cash Incentive Amounts
The amount of cash reward depends on the event and the medal won. For the big multi-sport events, the fixed amounts are given below.
| Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games (Summer & Winter) | ₹75 lakh | ₹50 lakh | ₹30 lakh |
| Asian Games | ₹30 lakh | ₹20 lakh | ₹10 lakh |
| Commonwealth Games | ₹30 lakh | ₹20 lakh | ₹10 lakh |
| World Championships (held every 4 years) | ₹40 lakh | ₹25 lakh | ₹15 lakh |
Para-sports get the same treatment. A Paralympic gold medal brings ₹75 lakh, while a Para Asian Games gold brings ₹30 lakh and a Commonwealth Games gold in para events brings ₹30 lakh. These amounts make sure para-athletes are rewarded on the same level as other sportspersons.
How the Incentive is Calculated for Other Events
For international events that are not the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, Para Asian Games or Commonwealth Games, the cash amount is worked out based on the number of participating countries.
| Amount of Incentive | In a team event | In an individual event |
|---|---|---|
| Full | At least 12 countries or the maximum permitted, whichever is lower | At least 16 countries or the maximum permitted, whichever is lower |
| Half | 6 to 11 participating countries | 8 to 15 participating countries |
| One-third | 4 to 5 participating countries | 4 to 7 participating countries |
If the number of competing teams is less than 4, no cash incentive is given. If a sportsperson wins more than one medal in the same event, only the reward for the highest medal is paid. But in the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games and Para Asian Games, a separate reward is given for every medal won.
Incentive for Coaches
Coaches are now a clear part of this scheme. In individual events, a coach receives 50% of the cash incentive given to the sportsperson. In team events, the coach gets the same percentage as per the medal won.
The total amount for coaches is split into three parts. A grassroots-level coach who first found and trained the talent gets 30%, a developmental-level coach who helped the player grow gets 30%, and an elite-level coach who gave the final high-level training gets 40% of the total. This split makes sure every level of coaching is appreciated. A sportsperson can also name an akhara or academy in place of individual coaches if they want.
Who Can Apply
Any Indian sportsperson who wins a medal in a recognised international sports event covered under the scheme can apply. The sport must be listed in the eligible sports disciplines of the scheme. Along with the athlete, the nominated coaches of the medal winner are also eligible for their share of the reward.
How to Apply
Applying is a simple online process and the steps are given below.
STEP 1 - Go to the official DBT-MIS portal of the Department of Sports at dbtyas-sports.gov.in after the event gets over.
STEP 2 - Submit your application, along with your coach's details, within six months from the end of the international event. If your details are already available in the official database, the need to submit a fresh application may be waived.
STEP 3 - Make sure to apply on time, because the department does not accept late applications and gives no relaxation for missing the six-month deadline.
STEP 4 - After submission, the authorised agency checks your medal and your coach's details before approving and paying the amount. With the new fast-track process, approved rewards are now paid within a few days.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready while filling up the application form.
- Proof of the medal won or participation in the event
- Identity proof such as Aadhaar or Passport
- Bank account details for the money transfer
- Official participation certificate of the event
- Details of the nominated coach
- Other supporting documents asked by the department
References
View Official Scheme Guidelines
Official Scheme Page on yas.gov.in
News18 Report on Fast-track Cash Rewards
FAQ's
What is the Cash Incentive Scheme?
It gives direct cash rewards to Indian sportspersons and their coaches for winning medals in recognised international sports events.
Which ministry runs this scheme?
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Department of Sports, Government of India runs this scheme.
Who can get the cash incentive?
Any Indian sportsperson who wins a medal in a recognised international sports event covered under the scheme is eligible.
Are coaches eligible for cash incentives?
Yes. A coach of a medal-winning athlete gets 50% of the reward, split between grassroots, developmental and elite level coaches.
Which events are covered?
Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, Para Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships and many youth and para events are covered, including the Para Asian Championship added in 2026.
What is the last date to apply?
You must apply within six months from the end of the international event. Late applications are not accepted.
How fast is the payment now?
With the new fast-track process in 2026, approved cash rewards are being paid within four to five days of the athlete's return.