Govt to consider awarding grace marks for nat’l, int’l athletes

Mangaluru: Chief minister Siddaramaiah declared that the govt will consider providing grace marks to athletes competing in national and international events from Karnataka.
This announcement was made during the inauguration of the Karnataka State Games-2025 at Mangala Stadium on Friday. The event is being organised by the department of youth empowerment and sports, Karnataka Olympic Association, alongside the district administrations of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
The CM revealed enhanced rewards for athletes, by increasing Asian Games medal winners' prize money to Rs 50 lakh from Rs 25 lakh. Olympic medallists will henceforth receive Rs 6 crore instead of Rs 5 crore. The decision regarding grace marks for national and international athletes will be finalised in an upcoming cabinet meeting.
Athletes will receive employment quotas, with 3% reservation in uniformed departments like police and forest services, whilst other departments will maintain a 2% reservation. Speaking about the State Games, which has drawn over 4,000 participants, the CM emphasised the govt's commitment to supporting athletes. He stressed that participation matters more than victory or defeat, and promised continued organisation of sporting events annually.
The CM announced a Rs 3 crore grant for infrastructure development at Mangala Stadium, to enhance sports facilities in Dakshina Kannada. He highlighted that sports participation benefits both physical and mental wellbeing. The event was attended by assembly speaker UT Khader and district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, with Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath presiding.