Why in News?
• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced new cash reward incentives for athletes and coaches for their medal-winning performances at the 3rd Asian Youth Games (Manama, Bahrain).
• India won 48 medals across multiple disciplines.
Reward Structure Announced
• Gold medal → ₹5 lakh per athlete
• Silver → ₹3 lakh
• Bronze → ₹2 lakh
• 4th place → ₹50,000
• Coaches of medal winners → ₹1 lakh each
• Kabaddi (boys + girls teams) → ₹10 lakh each team
Significance / Impact
• Strengthens athlete motivation & performance incentives
• Rise in financial security for young athletes in formative career stage
• Promotes sports as a viable profession
• Supports grassroots talent identification & retention
• Kabaddi recognition indicates focus on indigenous sports ecosystem