Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Revenue, Youth Empowerment and Sports G. Parameshwara on Sunday announced that the cash prizes for winners of the annual Dasara sports meet would be increased.
Inaugurating the Dasara Sports Meet-CM Cup 2026 at the Chamundi Vihar Indoor Stadium here, he said sports had been an integral part of Dasara celebrations, with the Vijayanagara rulers and the Mysuru Wadiyars patronising sporting activities.
The State government was committed to encouraging sportspersons and had announced cash awards of ₹1 crore for gold medallists, ₹75 lakh for silver medallists and ₹50 lakh for bronze medallists who excel in international sporting events, he said.
The government had also decided to introduce 2% reservation for sportspersons in future recruitments, he added.
Sportspersons made immense sacrifices and worked hard to win medals and bring honour to the country. Though financial incentives could not adequately compensate for their efforts, the government would extend all necessary support and provide infrastructure to promote sports, he said.
MLA Tanveer Sait stressed the need to provide quality training facilities at the district level to help sportspersons compete at national and international events. Better infrastructure would encourage more athletes to take up competitive sports, he said.
MLC K. Govindaraj said the government had enhanced cash incentives for Asian Games medallists and introduced 2% reservation in government jobs to support sportspersons. The measures would help prevent talented athletes from migrating in search of employment, he said.
Asian Games gold medallist golfer Pranavi S. Urs and Commonwealth Games medallist para-athlete Shilpa K.S., who attended the event as special invitees, were felicitated.
Animal Husbandry Minister C. Puttarangashetty and other dignitaries were present.
Published - October 11, 2026 08:33 pm IST