India’s Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday announced cash rewards for the country’s Paralympic athletes, following their record-breaking performance at the Paris Paralympic Games. Mandaviya announced that gold medallists will receive Rs 75 lakh, silver winners Rs 50 lakh and bronze medallists Rs 30 lakh. In mixed team events, like that of archer Sheetal Devi, winners will be awarded Rs 22.5 lakh each.
At a felicitation event, Mandaviya praised the athletes’ achievements and promised enhanced support as they prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. “India is rising in Paralympics and para sports. From 4 medals in 2016, we secured 19 in Tokyo and 29 in Paris. We will provide all the facilities needed to bring home even more medals in 2028,” he said.
India concluded the Paris Games with their best-ever Paralympic haul, earning 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze, placing 18th in the overall standings. This achievement also brought India’s total Paralympic medals beyond 50.
Track-and-field contributed 17 medals to India’s tally, including four golds. China led the standings with 208 medals, including 90 gold. Traditional Paralympic powerhouses like China, Great Britain, the USA, and Italy all finished in the top 10. India, showing significant progress in Paris, will aim for an even stronger performance at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.