Jharkhand to disburse Rs 4.51 crore in awards to 493 medal-winning athletes

The Jharkhand government is set to provide award money totalling around Rs 4.51 crore to 493 athletes who have brought recognition to the state through their performances in various sporting disciplines.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting convened to review applications for the state's sports award scheme as well as the pension scheme for former athletes.

The meeting, chaired by Sports Director Chhavi Ranjan, examined applications received from different districts between April 1, 2024 and January 31, 2026. A total of 911 applications were received during the period. After scrutiny of certificates, medals and other supporting documents, 510 applications were placed before the committee, of which 493 athletes were found eligible for the award money.

The selected athletes have won medals across 24 sporting disciplines, reflecting the growing participation of Jharkhand's sportspersons beyond its traditionally strong sporting areas.

The eligible athletes include medal winners in hockey, football, archery, athletics, gymnastics, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting, shooting, badminton, judo, karate and para-sports, among other disciplines.

Their achievements include 241 gold medals, 136 silver medals and 107 bronze medals. The records also include nine shared medals.

The financial assistance is intended to recognise the achievements of athletes who have represented the state and performed at recognised sporting events. The distribution of the award money will provide direct financial support to athletes while also acknowledging their contribution to Jharkhand's sporting profile.

The committee also reviewed applications under the athlete pension scheme. Of the 21 applications received, only two were found eligible at this stage. The remaining applicants were asked to submit the documents required to establish their eligibility.

The relatively low number of eligible pension applications also prompted the committee to discuss the need for greater awareness of the scheme. It recommended that letters be sent to all Deputy Commissioners so that information about the pension facility can reach a larger number of former and eligible sportspersons.

The committee will take up the remaining applications for sports awards, along with applications related to coaches, at its next meeting.

The latest decisions are expected to provide a significant boost to athletes in Jharkhand, particularly those competing in disciplines where financial assistance can play an important role in supporting continued training and participation at higher levels.