PANAJI
On August 27, nearly Rs 109 crore was distributed for athletes' prize money, grants to sports associations, and vendor payments related to the National Games held in Goa. All winners have now received their prize money.
Athletes who won medals at the National Games received Rs 10 lakh for gold, Rs 7 lakh for silver, and Rs 5 lakh for bronze. Any pending certificates and prize money have also been given out. Earlier, Sports Minister Govind Gaude had mentioned that 80% of the prize money had already been paid, with delays due to issues with bank details. These issues have now been resolved.
Gaude had confirmed that all necessary paperwork for the prize distribution was completed. He stated, “As I mentioned in the assembly, the prize money for National Games winners will be distributed before Ganesh Chaturthi. The file has been processed, and a date will be set soon.”
In a recent assembly session, Gaude addressed concerns from athletes and volunteers about delayed payments. He acknowledged the frustration of those waiting for their rewards and explained that procedures are being followed to ensure prompt distribution of the prize money.
Dr Geeta Nagvekar, Executive Director of SAG, also confirmed that all prize money for winners has been distributed. Most volunteers have been paid, with only a few remaining to collect their cheques, which are ready with SAG.
Sports Minister Govind Gaude has fulfilled his promise by ensuring that the prize money for the National Games winners was distributed before the festival.
