Keralam Government Rewards Athletes for International Success

Keralam's Chief Minister VD Satheesan has announced substantial cash rewards for local athletes who have excelled in international competitions. This initiative recognizes the achievements of sports stars like Murali Sreeshankar, Mohammed Basil, Divi Bijesh, and Sandra Mol Sabu, providing them with financial support to further their careers. The awards range from Rs 20 lakh for gold and silver medalists to Rs 5 lakh for finalists, showcasing the government's commitment to empowering its athletes. With India finishing fourth at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, this recognition aims to inspire future successes on the global stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 14, 2026, 23:30 IST

Recognition for Keralam's Sporting Stars

On August 14, Keralam's Chief Minister VD Satheesan announced significant cash prizes for local athletes who have recently achieved remarkable success in international competitions. Among the honorees are Commonwealth Games medalists Murali Sreeshankar and Mohammed Basil Morssinganakath, as well as young chess sensation Divi Bijesh and athlete Sandra Mol Sabu.

In a post shared on X, Satheesan emphasized the government's commitment to acknowledging these athletes' accomplishments and providing them with financial assistance to further their sports careers.

The Chief Minister stated, "Keralam is celebrating our sports icons with substantial cash awards for their exceptional international performances! Each of the following will receive Rs 20 lakh: M. Sreeshankar (Commonwealth Games Silver), Mohammed Basil (Para-athlete, 100m Silver), Divi Bijesh (U-12 World Chess Champion), and Sandra Mol Sabu (U-23 Asian Games Relay Gold). Additionally, Rs 5 lakh will be awarded to Sajan Prakash (CWG Swimming Finalist) and Ansa Babu (4x400m Mixed Relay Finalist), while the coaches of Sreeshankar and Basil will each receive Rs 2 lakh."

Sreeshankar earned Rs 20 lakh for his silver medal in the men's long jump at the 2026 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, where he achieved a personal best jump of 8.09 meters, marking his second consecutive silver after an 8.08m jump at the 2022 Birmingham Games.

Para-athlete Mohammed Basil also received Rs 20 lakh for his silver medal in the men's 100m T47 event in Glasgow, clocking a season-best time of 10.83 seconds, contributing to India's historic one-two finish with Dilip Gavit taking gold.

The eleven-year-old chess prodigy Divi Bijesh was awarded Rs 20 lakh after triumphing in the FIDE World Cup Under-12 Girls Championship in Batumi, Georgia, where she scored nine points across 11 rounds to secure the title.

Sandra Mol Sabu received Rs 20 lakh for her gold medals in both the mixed 4x400m relay and the women's 4x400m relay at the inaugural Asian U23 Athletics Championships in Ordos, China.

Swimmer Sajan Prakash and athlete Ansa Babu were each awarded Rs 5 lakh; Prakash reached the men's 200m butterfly final at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, while Babu was part of the mixed 4x400m relay team that finished sixth.

The coaches of Sreeshankar and Basil were also recognized with Rs 2 lakh each.

India concluded the 2026 Commonwealth Games in fourth place, securing a total of 39 medals, which included 13 gold, 17 silver, and nine bronze.