Manu Bhaker to Neeraj Chopra - Olympics heroes to receive these accolades for their medal-winning performances

Manu Bhaker to Neeraj Chopra - Olympics heroes to receive these accolades for their medal-winning performances

The Indian team concluded the Paris 2024 Olympics with six medals, one fewer than their total at the previous Games in Tokyo. It was a mixed performance for India, with several athletes finishing fourth in their respective events, narrowly missing out on medals. Shooter Manu Bhaker emerged as the top performer, securing two medals—a unique achievement for an athlete from independent India. Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal in the men's javelin throw, and the Indian men’s hockey team claimed their second consecutive bronze medal, thanks to an outstanding performance by captain Harmanpreet Singh. Here’s a look at the cash prizes awarded to the Paris 2024 Olympic medalists.

Manu Bhaker (Shooting)

Manu Bhaker made history by becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. She was honoured with a cash prize of ₹30 lakh, presented by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya. At 22 years old, Bhaker was also one of India’s flag bearers at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Sarabjot Singh (Shooting)

Sarabjot Singh secured bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Manu Bhaker. The 22-year-old from Ambala received a cheque for ₹22.5 lakh from Mansukh Mandaviya, presented through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports' cash award scheme. Although the Haryana government offered him a job in recognition of his achievement, he chose to decline the offer and continue with his practice.

Swapnil Kusale (Shooting)

Swapnil Kusale made history as the first Indian shooter to win a bronze medal in the men's 50m Rifle 3 Position event at the Olympics. In recognition of his achievement, Swapnil was appointed to a position as an Officer on Special Duty by the Central Railway. Additionally, he was awarded ₹1 crore by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Indian men's hockey team

The Indian men's hockey team secured their second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympics with a 2-1 victory over Spain. It was a fitting farewell for goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who was also one of the flag bearers at the closing ceremony. Hockey India has announced a cash prize of ₹15 lakh for each team member and ₹7.5 lakh for each support staff member. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi has awarded ₹4 crore to defender Amit Rohidas, along with ₹15 lakh for each player and ₹10 lakh for each support staff member. In Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced a prize of ₹1 crore for all squad members from the state, including captain Harmanpreet Singh, who was the top scorer at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Neeraj Chopra (Javelin Throw)

Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal in the javelin throw at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem taking gold after setting a new Olympic record with a remarkable throw of 92.97m. While no official announcement has been made regarding Neeraj's cash prizes, it is anticipated that he will receive several awards from various sources. In 2021, following his gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics, the Haryana Government awarded him a cash prize of ₹6 crore.

Aman Sehrawat (Wrestling)

Aman Sehrawat was the sole Indian wrestler to secure a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, earning bronze in the 57kg freestyle event. He also became the youngest Indian athlete to win an Olympic medal. No official details have been announced regarding the cash prizes he will receive.