Govt: Prize money for all National Games medallists, including imports

Panaji: All medal winners who represented Goa at the 37th National Games are eligible for the state government’s prize money scheme, regardless of their origin or domicile.
According to the Sports Authority of Goa’s existing scheme, gold medal winners at the National Games are eligible for Rs 3 lakh prize money, while silver and bronze fetches Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh.For team events, the prize money is tripled and is shared equally among the members.
In the past, the Lusofonia Games in 2014 for example, the state government awarded cash prizes only to Goan athletes.
This time, however, all medal winners will be eligible, according to sports minister Govind Gaude.
“When these athletes have played for Goan teams, and won medals, they will also receive prize money,” Gaude told TOI. “For this National Games, we will not debar anyone. For the next editions, we will change the rules a bit and only Goans will get the prize money from the state for winning medals.”
The sports minister said even medal winners in demonstration sports like lagori, gatka and mini golf will be rewarded.
The Goa Olympic Association (GOA), though, has made it clear that its prize money assurance for medal winners will be restricted only to Goans.
Before the start of the National Games, the GOA had assured state associations that medal winners would be eligible for prize money of Rs 1 lakh for gold, Rs 50,000 for silver and Rs 25,000 for a bronze medal.
“The GOA guidelines are very clear. We will award the prize money to those with Goan origin, Goan domicile or anyone who has participated in a minimum of two state championships,” said GOA secretary Gurudutta Bhakta.
State associations which are not recognised by the GOA, like sqay martial arts, pencak silat, lagori and gatka are not eligible for the prize money.
The GOA is led by Union minister of state for ports, shipping and waterways Shripad Naik. He has assured state associations that necessary funds would be raised to reward medal winners at the National Games.
Goa has won a record 91 medals at this edition of the National Games to finish among the top 10.