The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on Tuesday (2) awarded Rs. 61.38 million in financial incentives to athletes and coaches who secured international sporting achievements during 2024 and 2025.

A total of 37 athletes received awards at a ceremony chaired by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage, with senior ministry and sports officials also in attendance.

The financial rewards were presented to athletes and coaches who excelled at the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships in Japan, the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in India, and the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.

Among the recipients, Paralympic silver medallist K.A. Samitha Dulan received the highest individual award of Rs. 15 million for his achievement in the men’s javelin event at the Paris Paralympics.

Athlete G.L. Lahiru Achintha, who won gold in the 1,500m event at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, received Rs. 5 million.

The incentive programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen support mechanisms for elite athletes and coaches, while encouraging greater international success ahead of future competitions, including the government’s “Mission Olympic 2028” initiative. (Newswire)

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