04-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Olympic gold medallists to get Rs six crore, promises new sports policy
HYDERABAD: As part of its vision to create world-class sportspersons and turn the state into a 'centre of champions', the government on Thursday unveiled the Telangana Sports Policy 2025.
Under the new sports policy, the state government also announced huge cash rewards for athletes who bag medals at both Olympics and Paralympic Games Rs 6 crore for gold medal winners, Rs 4 crore and Rs 2.5 crore to silver and bronze medal winners respectively.
As part of this sports policy, the government will also establish The Sports Hub of Telangana, which will help the state in realising its 'vision of becoming a centre for champions, driven by sustainable and holistic development across all dimensions of the sports ecosystem'.
The Sports Hub, to be governed by a Board of Governors comprising eminent individuals from different fields, will function as an umbrella organisation, providing strategic leadership and policy guidance in key areas such as infrastructure development, training, sports education and grassroots growth.
The initiative aims to establish a robust sports ecosystem in the state, positioning Telangana as a leading region for sports excellence. The Sports Hub will oversee the implementation of the policy, and the allocation and utilisation of funds, officials said.
Under this policy, the government will adopt the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model as a strategic mechanism to enhance and expand sports infrastructure, they added.
To enhance financial sustainability and encourage private participation, all PPP-developed venues will be granted preferred venue status for hosting government and official events. For commercial viability, up to 30 per cent of the site potential will be allocated for non-sporting or commercial activities. All facilities developed under these models will remain accessible to a wide range of users, from grassroots to elite athletes.
Meanwhile, the state government also decided to introduce annual sports awards to honour athletes, coaches, journalists, schools and corporate partners who excel in and contribute to various sports.
