Himachal Pradesh Announces Rs 1 Crore Each for Asian Games Kabaddi Gold Medallists

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a cash reward of Rs 1 crore each for Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur and Bhawna Thakur, the three players from the state who were part of India’s gold-medal-winning women’s kabaddi team at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

Sukhu made the announcement on Monday after the three players met him in Shimla. The Chief Minister congratulated the players for their achievement and honored them with traditional Himachali caps and shawls. A formal felicitation ceremony will be organized by the state government, where the announced prize money will be presented. The announcement represents a significant increase from the prize structure previously applicable to Himachal Pradesh’s Asian Games gold medallists. Earlier, the four Himachali members of the women’s kabaddi squad, including Ritu Negi, were eligible for approximately Rs 33.33 lakh each under the state’s Sports Council Cash Award Rules.

Pushpa Rana-led team successfully defended the Asian Games crown

The reward recognises a historic achievement by the Indian women’s kabaddi team, which successfully defended its Asian Games title in Aichi-Nagoya. Led by Pushpa Rana, India went through the tournament unbeaten before overcoming Iran 37-34 in a closely contested gold-medal match. The victory extended India’s dominance in women’s kabaddi at the Asian Games and gave the team another title after its previous triumph in Hangzhou.

Rana had entered the tournament as captain with the responsibility of leading a team expected to deliver gold. Ahead of the Games, she had spoken about the importance of analysing opponents, working on weaknesses identified by the coaching staff and preparing for different match situations. The final against Iran demonstrated why preparation was central to India’s campaign. With the result remaining competitive deep into the contest, India had to maintain its defensive structure while continuing to find scoring opportunities against a physically strong Iranian side.

For Himachal Pradesh, the success had particular significance. Rana, Jyoti Thakur and Bhawna Thakur were among the state’s representatives in the gold-medal-winning squad and subsequently received a warm welcome after returning from Japan. The players credited hard work, team unity, coaching and family support for their success.

Alongside the financial reward, Sukhu announced that the three kabaddi players would be offered government employment. The Chief Minister said the players would have the option of joining the police department. Those who do not wish to enter the police force would instead be offered positions in the state’s Youth Services and Sports Department. The provision is designed to allow the athletes to continue their sporting careers while also contributing to the development and promotion of sports in Himachal Pradesh.

The employment announcement is particularly relevant for athletes competing in disciplines where professional opportunities beyond their competitive careers can be limited. By allowing the players to remain connected with sport, the state government is also seeking to retain experienced athletes within its sporting ecosystem.

Sukhu also announced a Rs 1 crore reward for Renuka Singh Thakur, a member of India’s gold-medal-winning women’s cricket team at the Asian Games. India defeated Sri Lanka in the final to claim the gold medal, adding another major achievement to Renuka’s international career. The Himachal Pradesh government’s decision means four athletes from the state involved in Asian Games gold-medal-winning teams will receive substantial recognition.

The announcement comes as several Indian states and institutions have begun unveiling reward packages for athletes following the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

Sukhu also highlighted the state government’s broader sports policy, saying prize money for international medal winners had been substantially increased and that Himachal Pradesh was placing greater emphasis on strengthening its sports infrastructure.

That approach is important because financial rewards provide immediate recognition, while better training facilities, coaching systems, and athlete-support structures determine whether young athletes can sustain high-level careers. For Himachal Pradesh, the achievements of these athletes offer a powerful example of what athletes from the state can accomplish on the Asian stage. Their success also comes at a time when women’s sport in India continues to produce major results across multiple disciplines.

The Rs 1 crore rewards and government employment offers, therefore, go beyond recognizing one tournament. They represent an attempt to create a stronger incentive structure for athletes and encourage more young people in Himachal Pradesh to pursue competitive sport.

For the three kabaddi players, however, the immediate recognition follows one of the biggest achievements of their careers: helping India retain its Asian Games women’s kabaddi crown and returning home as continental champions.

The next challenge will be sustaining that momentum. For Himachal Pradesh, the hope is that the success of Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur and Bhawna Thakur will inspire another generation of athletes to see sport as both a viable career and a route to representing India at the highest level.