Jharkhand is a land of strength, passion and sporting excellence. The state, known for its tribal heritage and cultural pride, has produced world-class players — including hockey legends, Olympians, archers, boxers and cricketers. The remarkable sporting ability found in villages, towns and tribal belts of Jharkhand is a result of discipline, endurance and a never-ending desire to excel.
To support such talent and motivate the next generation, the Government of Jharkhand launched the Sports Excellence Cash Award Scheme. The scheme rewards athletes who win medals at national and international levels and promotes sports as a respectable and long-term career.
More than appreciation, the scheme provides financial security, institutional recognition and encouragement — helping athletes confidently pursue greater goals.
Why Jharkhand Needed a Cash Prize Program for Athletes
Although Jharkhand has produced several top-level athletes, many talented players have faced long-term challenges such as:
- Lack of financial support
- Insufficient sponsorship during training
- Struggle to balance family responsibilities with sports
- Limited rewards from government or private bodies
- High cost of training, equipment, coaching, diet and travel
The government recognized that talent alone is not enough to sustain an athlete. To succeed, athletes need investment, lifestyle discipline and support.
The Sports Excellence Cash Award Scheme was launched to:
- Honor sporting achievements
- Reduce financial pressure on athletes
- Promote long-term involvement in sports
- Help athletes prepare for future tournaments confidently
Jharkhand clearly acknowledges that sports is not just a physical activity — it is a profession, identity and source of national pride.
Objectives of the Jharkhand Sports Excellence Cash Award Scheme
The scheme is driven by five strong goals:
✔ Recognize and Reward Talent
Provide cash incentives to medal winners in national and international competitions.
✔ Promote Sports as a Full-Time Career
Boost confidence among players and families that sports can provide success, income and respect.
✔ Improve Athlete Performance
Allow athletes to invest in better equipment, training, diet, physiotherapy and travel.
✔ Inspire Grassroots Participation
Award-winning role models encourage children and youth, especially in tribal and rural areas.
✔ Strengthen Jharkhand’s Presence in Indian & Global Sports
Consistent support aims to produce more Olympians, world champions and national athletes.
Important Features of the Cash Award Scheme
| Feature | Details |
| Type of support | One-time cash awards |
| Beneficiaries | Players from Jharkhand performing at national & international levels |
| Eligible sports | Olympic, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games & recognised sports |
| Award cycle | Once every year, based on performance |
| Recognition levels | International, National and School-National |
Every major achievement is recognized and rewarded.
Cash Rewards for Players
Award amounts differ based on the competition level and medal won:
🏅 International Level (Olympics / World Championships / Asian Games / Commonwealth Games)
- Gold – ₹25,00,000
- Silver – ₹15,00,000
- Bronze – ₹10,00,000
🏅 National Games / Senior National Championships
- Gold – ₹5,00,000
- Silver – ₹3,00,000
- Bronze – ₹2,00,000
🏅 Junior & Youth National Championships / SGFI School Nationals
- Gold – ₹1,00,000
- Silver – ₹75,000
- Bronze – ₹50,000
🏆 Additional Rewards for Exceptional Achievements
- Olympic Participation – ₹7,00,000
- Top Rank in World Cup/Asian Championship – ₹5,00,000
- Paralympic Medalists – Same award as Olympic medalists
These rewards allow players to focus on training without financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the cash award, the applicant must:
- Be a resident of Jharkhand or represent Jharkhand at the national level
- Participate in recognized national or international sporting events
- Win medals during the award year
- Submit valid proof of achievements and participation
Athletes from all genders, rural & tribal communities and differently-abled categories are eligible.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar / ID proof
- Jharkhand residence proof
- Age certificate
- Sports federation certificate
- Medal/Achievement certificate
- Bank details
- Passport-size photos
For international events:
- Passport & visa copies
- Boarding pass / travel proof
Application Process
1️⃣ Check Official Notification
Issued by Jharkhand Sports Department / Sports Authority.
2️⃣ Fill Out Application Form
Online or offline depending on current guidelines.
3️⃣ Attach Required Documents
ID proof, sports achievement certificates, bank details, etc.
4️⃣ Verification
Sports department verifies participation, medal and certificate authenticity.
5️⃣ Approval & Award Disbursement
Cash reward is transferred directly to the athlete’s bank account.
This transparent system ensures deserving athletes are rewarded quickly and fairly.
Benefits of the Cash Award Scheme
🔹 For Athletes
- Financial support and independent income
- Higher motivation to participate in national & international events
- Improved training and performance
🔹 For Families
- Emotional and financial encouragement
- Increased social respect and support for children’s sports careers
🔹 For the State of Jharkhand
- Greater representation in major sports events
- Stronger talent growth pipeline
- Encouragement of sports culture in tribal and rural regions
Impact on Jharkhand’s Sports Ecosystem
Since the scheme’s launch:
🏅 More rural children are taking interest in sports
🏅 Medal counts have increased in National Youth Games
🏅 Participation of women athletes has improved significantly
🏅 More tribal athletes are getting national recognition
🏅 Sports culture is growing in schools and colleges
Jharkhand is building a legacy of sports excellence and inspiring future champions.
Challenges & Suggested Improvements
| Challenges | Suggested Solutions |
| Low awareness in rural regions | Conduct awareness campaigns in villages & schools |
| High equipment/training cost | Provide monthly training stipend |
| Lack of professional coaches | Tie-ups with national academies |
| Low parental support in poor communities | Counselling & career guidance sessions |
| Delays in fund release | Fully digital portal for applications & payments |
Improvements can further boost the effectiveness of the scheme.
Future Vision of the Scheme
Future goals under consideration include:
- Sports Excellence Academies in every district
- Scholarships linked with formal education
- Development of world-class sports infrastructure
- Private sponsorship partnerships
- International-standard coaching for medal winners
With consistent support, Jharkhand has the potential to become a national sports powerhouse.
Conclusion
The Jharkhand Sports Excellence Cash Award Scheme is more than financial support — it is a tribute to dedication, discipline and national pride.
The scheme ensures:
- Talent receives recognition
- Training becomes accessible
- Families support sports as a career
- Jharkhand continues to produce national and international champions
Jharkhand’s message is powerful:
Every medal deserves respect — every champion deserves support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the purpose of the Jharkhand Sports Excellence Cash Award Scheme?
To provide cash rewards to medal-winning athletes at national and international levels.
2. Who can apply?
Players who represent Jharkhand and win medals in recognized competitions.
3. Do women and differently-abled athletes get equal benefits?
Yes. All eligible athletes receive equal awards.
4. How is the prize money released?
After verification, the amount is transferred directly to the athlete’s bank account.
5. Are school-level medalists eligible?
Yes. Players who win medals in SGFI School National events are also eligible.