KARACHI: The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has increased cash prizes across the board for those who win medals in international events. The decision was made during PSB’s 34th board meeting, and the updated policy introduces significant changes, including new rewards for specific championships.
After the update, the cash award for winning an Olympic gold medal has now been raised from Rs10 million to Rs30 million. Silver medalists will receive Rs20.5 million instead of the earlier Rs7.5 million, and bronze medalists will get Rs10 million compared to the previous Rs5 million.
Athletes participating in the Asian Games will also see better rewards. Gold medal winners will now get Rs10.5 million, up from Rs7.5 million. Silver and bronze medalists will get Rs7 million and Rs5 million respectively, both increased from the previous 5 million and 3 million.
The Commonwealth Games prize amounts have also been updated. Gold medalists will now be awarded Rs7.5 million, while silver and bronze winners will get Rs5 million and Rs3 million, respectively. Previously, these amounts were Rs5 million, Rs3 million, and Rs2 million.
For the first time, the policy introduces separate reward categories based on how often a championship is held. For World Championships that happen every four years, gold medalists will get Rs7.5 million. Those winning events held every two years will receive Rs5 million, and champions of annual events will get Rs3 million. The same tiered structure will apply to Asian Championships, Commonwealth Championships, and junior-level events.
Cue sports have also been given special focus. A winner of the IBSF World Snooker Championship will now be rewarded with Rs1.5 million, while the Asian Snooker Championship gold will bring in Rs0.75 million.
Squash has been recognized with a strong incentive as well. Players who win top international titles like the British Open will be awarded Rs10 million. For junior squash titles, the prize money is set at Rs5 million.
Other important areas, such as team events and awards for athletes competing in Paralympic, Deaflympic, and Blind Games, will continue under the existing structure but will benefit from the overall increase in base prize amounts.
This new reward structure reflects a broader commitment to recognizing athletic talent and motivating athletes to perform at their best on the world stage.