PSB increases cash rewards for medal-winning athletes

The Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has significantly increased cash rewards for athletes winning medals in international competitions, tripling the prize for Olympic gold and raising incentives across multiple sporting categories under a revised policy approved during its 34th board meeting.

According to the updated framework, Olympic gold medalists will now receive Rs30 million, up from Rs10 million, while silver medal winners will earn Rs20.5 million, and bronze medalists Rs10 million — both seeing notable increases from Rs7.5 million and Rs5 million, respectively.

Athletes competing in the Asian Games will also see a boost in recognition. Gold medal winners will be awarded Rs10.5 million (previously Rs7.5 million), silver medalists Rs7 million (up from Rs5 million), and bronze medalists Rs5 million (up from Rs3 million).

Cash awards for Commonwealth Games medalists have been similarly revised. Gold medals will now carry a prize of Rs7.5 million (up from Rs5 million), with silver and bronze medalists receiving Rs5 million and Rs3 million, respectively.

For the first time, the PSB has introduced a tiered reward structure for World and Asian Championships based on their frequency. Athletes winning World Championships held every four years will now earn Rs7.5 million, those for biennial events Rs5 million, and annual champions Rs3 million.

A similar format will apply to Asian and Commonwealth Championships, including junior-level competitions.

The revised policy also includes new allocations for cue sports. Winners of the IBSF World Snooker Championship will be awarded Rs1.5 million, while gold medalists in the Asian Snooker Championship will receive Rs750,000.

Squash players securing prestigious international titles, such as the British Open, will receive Rs10 million, and junior champions in squash will be entitled to Rs5 million.

Provisions for athletes participating in the Paralympics, Deaflympics, and Blind Games remain in place, with rewards adjusted in line with the updated prize structure. Team event participants and coaches will also benefit from the revised financial incentives.