19/05/2026
West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik announced a major overhaul to the state's sports policy, featuring massive hikes in cash awards for elite medal-winning athletes and a streamlined, updated sports quota recruitment policy for government jobs.Key updates include:Elite Cash Awards: Cash incentives for medal-winning athletes at major international competitions have been increased significantly. An Olympic gold medallist from West Bengal is now awarded ₹8 crore, up from the previously sanctioned ₹25 lakh. Silver and bronze medal winners are eligible for ₹6 crore and ₹4 crore, respectively.Government Recruitment: The state amended its direct appointment policy to provide better pathways for national and international medallists to secure public service careers, including administrative and police jobs.Infrastructure & Governance: The government plans to adopt a new Sports Governance Act, renovate and modernize facilities like the Salt Lake Stadium (Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan), and foster stronger grassroots talent scouting across districts.For further information on athlete grants and policy rollouts, visit the official West Bengal Youth & Sports Department portal.
