New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Tuesday that recipients of gold medals at the Asian Games hailing from the Indian Armed Forces will be granted a reward of Rs 25 lakh each.
Singh further announced that silver medalists will receive a reward of Rs 15 lakh each, and those who secured bronze will be granted Rs 10 lakh, during his address to the Asian Games champions at the Indian Air Force Auditorium in Delhi.
“In recent Asian Games, we have won a total of 107 medals. Last time, in the 2018 Asian Games, we had won 70 medals. If we look at this journey from 70 medals to 107 medals, in terms of growth, we have seen an increase of about 50 per cent. If we look at the number of medals, we may still be behind three countries, but if we look at our growth rate, then this 50 per cent increase is a big thing in itself,” Singh said.
“The people of our army have always outshine in sports. I think it’s because that’s the character of a soldier. Be it their duty or their performance, their behaviour is characterized by dedication, discipline, hard work and the desire to do something for their nation, which works equally well in both the playground and the battlefield. This quality in him makes him a hero on the battlefield as well as in the playground,” he added.
India’s contingent demonstrated their prowess by securing a record-breaking 107 medals at the event, including an impressive tally of 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze medals. This achievement marks a historic milestone in the nation’s sporting journey.