In a landmark move to boost motivation and support for Pakistani athletes, the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has significantly increased cash rewards for medal winners across a wide range of international competitions. The decision was made during the 34th board meeting of the PSB, where a revised policy was approved to not only enhance existing incentives but also introduce new reward categories for events such as the World Championships, Asian Championships, and various cue sports.
Under the updated reward structure, the prize money for an Olympic gold medal has seen a dramatic increase — tripling from Rs10 million to Rs30 million. Athletes securing silver medals at the Olympics will now receive Rs20.5 million, up from Rs7.5 million, while bronze medalists will be awarded Rs10 million, doubling from the previous Rs5 million.
This upward revision isn’t limited to the Olympics. The Asian Games have also seen enhanced incentives. Gold medalists will now receive Rs10.5 million, an increase from Rs7.5 million. Silver and bronze winners will get Rs7 million and Rs5 million, respectively, up from Rs5 million and Rs3 million in the previous policy.
Similarly, rewards for the Commonwealth Games have been upgraded. Gold medalists will now receive Rs7.5 million, up from Rs5 million. Silver medalists will take home Rs5 million (previously Rs3 million), while bronze medalists will earn Rs3 million, an increase from Rs2 million.
Tiered System for World and Asian Championships
For the first time, the PSB has introduced a tiered reward system for the World Championships and Asian Championships, based on the frequency with which these competitions are held.
- Athletes winning titles at four-yearly World Championships will be awarded Rs7.5 million.
- Winners of biennial (every two years) events will receive Rs5 million, while
- Annual championship winners will get Rs3 million.
This structured approach will also apply to other events like the Commonwealth Championships and junior-level competitions, ensuring fair recognition based on the level and frequency of each competition.
Special Rewards for Cue Sports and Squash
A notable addition to the revised policy is the inclusion of cue sports and squash with specific reward allocations.
- Winners of the IBSF World Snooker Championship will now receive Rs1.5 million, while the Asian Snooker Championship gold medalists will earn Rs0.75 million.
- In squash, champions of prestigious tournaments like the British Open will receive Rs10 million, while junior squash champions will be rewarded Rs5 million.
Continued Support for Paralympic and Team Events
While the revised policy focuses on increasing individual athlete rewards, it continues to support Paralympic, Deaflympic, and Blind Games athletes, as well as team events and coaches. These categories will also benefit from the increased base amounts applied across major international competitions.
A Step Toward Athlete Empowerment
The PSB’s revised policy reflects a broader vision to uplift and empower Pakistan’s sports talent by offering meaningful financial recognition. By aligning reward structures with international standards and acknowledging a broader range of disciplines and events, the PSB aims to fuel national pride and encourage young athletes to aim for the podium.
This comprehensive update signals a strong commitment to fostering a high-performance sports culture in Pakistan — one that values both achievement and perseverance.
