BENGALURU, Oct. 7 -- Karnataka has nearly tripled its cash award for Asian Games gold medallists from Rs.35 lakh to Rs.1 crore, while raising silver medal award from Rs.25 lakh to Rs.75 lakh and bronze from Rs.15 lakh to Rs.50 lakh.

The state will also give Rs.5 lakh each to all 20 Karnataka athletes who competed at the 2026 Asian Games, regardless of whether they won a medal.

The decision is part of a wider set of measures that includes government employment opportunities for Asian Games medallists and a 2% reservation for outstanding sportspersons in direct recruitment to Group A, B, C and D government posts.

Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, who also holds the Youth Empowerment and Sports portfolio, said the participation incent...