Bengal adopts National Sports Governance Act

Kolkata: In a major shift in state's sports policy, Bengal will now come under the purview of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, as the state government decided to adopt it here immediately. This will help the state sports units get recognition from national federations and the Central government easily and ensure transparency in their operations too.The days of athletes from Bengal shifting base to other states seeking greener pasture seems to be over as the government came out with a host of sports-friendly policies.In a boost to Bengal athletes winning medals at different national and international tournaments, state sports minister Nisith Pramanik announced a bonanza of benefits for them.An Olympic medal winner from Bengal will be rewarded Rs 8 crore which was so long fixed at Rs 25 lakh. Similarly a silver medal winner will now receive Rs 6 crore, a rise from Rs 15 lakh and a bronze medallist will get Rs 4 crore, up from Rs 10 lakh. Such benefits are increased for Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and National Games medal winners too (See box). There was no provision to reward medal winners at World championship events so far, but from now on they will also be benefited financially.All such winners will also be provided government jobs as per their educational qualifications.OlympicsGold: Rs 8 cr from Rs 25 lakhSilver: Rs 6 cr from Rs 15 lakhBronze: Rs 4 crore from Rs 10 lakhAsian GamesGold: Rs 5 crore from Rs 7.5 lakhSilver: Rs 4 crore (Not available)Bronze: Rs 2 crore (Not available)Commonwealth GamesGold: Rs 1.5 crore from Rs 5 lakhSilver: Rs 75 lakh from Rs 3 lakhBronze: Rs 50 lakh from Rs 2 lakhWorld Championships (No provisions so far)Gold: Rs 2 croreSilver: Rs 1.5 croreBronze: Rs 1 croreNational Games (No fixed amount so far)Gold: Rs 7 lakhSilver: Rs 6 lakhBronze: Rs 5 lakh