Sports ministry announces cash prizes for Rio Paralympic medallists

In a bid to motivate Paralympians ahead of the Rio Paralympics, the Sports Ministry on Tuesday announced that medallists from the prestigious event will be given the cash awards at par with the medal winners of last month’s Summer Olympic Games.

In a bid to motivate Paralympians ahead of the Rio Paralympics, the Sports Ministry on Tuesday announced that medallists from the prestigious event will be given the cash awards at par with the medal winners of last month’s Summer Olympic Games.

Brazilian soldiers stand guard while people take a selfie in front of the Paralympic symbol. (REUTERS)

“Gold medalists of #Paralympic Games are entitled to Rs 75 Lacs, Silver Rs 50 Lacs & Bronze Rs 30 Lacs as cash award from MYAS,” the Ministry stated on Twitter.

“This cash award to the #Paralympic medalists is at par with medalists of #Olympics,” it added.

A total of 17 para-athletes, the largest-ever delegation from the country, will represent India at the Rio Paralympic Games, which is slated to start from September 7 to 18.

The event will also see Javelin thrower Devendra Jhajharia, the country’s first Paralympic gold medallist (Athens 2004), competing for his second medal.