In a first, athletes to get around Rs 42 lakh for winning gold medal in Paris Olympics

World Athletics has broken 128 years of Olympic tradition by announcing that it will become the first international sports federation to award prize money to Olympic athletes. Starting at the Paris Olympics, track and field athletes who win gold will receive $50,000, with plans to extend cash prizes to silver and bronze medal winners at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

"This is the continuation of a journey we started back in 2015, which sees all the money World Athletics receives from the International Olympic Committee for the Olympic Games go directly back into our sport," said World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.

Coe emphasized the importance of acknowledging athletes' efforts, stating, "While it is impossible to put a marketable value on winning an Olympic medal, or on the commitment and focus it takes to even represent your country at an Olympic Games, I think it is important we start somewhere and make sure some of the revenues generated by our athletes at the Olympic Games are directly returned to those who make the Games the global spectacle that it is."



The decision by World Athletics to offer prize money for Olympic gold medallists marks a significant moment for the sport and underscores the federation's commitment to empowering athletes. It also highlights a shift in sports towards rewarding athletes for their performances and dedication.

While the IOC has never awarded money for participating or winning a medal at the Olympics, many athletes receive financial rewards from their respective countries' governments, national sports bodies, or sponsors.

Athletics is the Olympics' biggest sport, by number of participants and TV audiences. However, many athletes, including Olympic medallists, face challenges in funding their training and competition expenses.

The introduction of prize money in track and field is expected to have a positive impact on athletes' lives, providing them with additional support and recognition for their achievements on the Olympic stage.

World Athletics' decision to offer prize money for Olympic athletes represents a significant shift in the Olympic landscape. It not only recognizes athletes' efforts and contributions but also aligns with the broader trend in sports towards rewarding athletes for their performances.