The Haryana government will distribute approximately ₹185 crore in cash awards to 171 athletes at a state-level ceremony at Bhim Stadium in Bhiwani on October 30. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will present the awards to athletes who participated in the Asian Games and Para Asian Games held in Japan. Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Gaurav Gautam announced details of the programme.
The state government has allocated cash awards to athletes from Haryana who participated in international sporting competitions. A total of 171 athletes associated with the Asian Games and Para Asian Games will receive awards at the ceremony in Bhiwani.
According to Gaurav Gautam, approximately ₹133 crore has been earmarked for 134 athletes who participated in the Asian Games. Another ₹52 crore will be distributed among 37 athletes from the Para Asian Games.
The awards will be granted according to the athletes' performances and the state's sports policy.
The 20th Asian Games were held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026. Indian athletes won 85 medals at the event, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze medals. India finished fourth in the medal standings.
Athletes from Haryana contributed 32 medals to India's tally, winning 14 gold, nine silver and nine bronze medals. Of India's 21 gold medals, 14 were won by athletes from Haryana.
Following these achievements, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini congratulated the athletes and praised their performances.
Haryana's athletes who participated in the Para Asian Games will also be honoured at the ceremony.
According to the state government, para athletes from Haryana won 32 medals at the competition, including nine gold, nine silver and 14 bronze medals. Based on their performances, ₹52 crore has been allocated as cash awards for 37 athletes.
The Sports Department said providing better facilities and opportunities for athletes in both able-bodied and para categories remains a government priority.
Under Haryana's sports policy, eligible athletes who achieve success at the international level can receive cash awards as well as opportunities for government employment.
The programme at Bhim Stadium will also feature sporting competitions alongside the award distribution.
The women's teams of Haryana and Punjab will compete in a Haryana-style kabaddi match. A wrestling competition will also be organised.
Wrestlers who perform well will be honoured with incentive payments. The competitions will also provide local athletes with an opportunity to showcase their abilities.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will attend the ceremony as the chief guest. Chaudhary Dharambir, Member of Parliament from the Bhiwani-Mahendragarh Lok Sabha constituency, and officials associated with the Sports Department will also be present.
Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam said the state government was working to develop modern training facilities and provide better opportunities for athletes.
The government aims to ensure that athletes who win medals at international competitions receive recognition and that emerging athletes are encouraged to pursue sports as a career.
