Countries eager for success at the Asian Games are offering various incentives, including houses, money, cars, and government jobs, to motivate athletes to bring home medals from Hangzhou. While athletes publicly express their passion for glory over financial gain, medals, particularly gold ones, often come with substantial rewards that can significantly impact the lives of both athletes and their families, especially if they are amateurs rather than professional athletes.
For instance, India provides a generous $36,000 reward for winning a gold medal at the Asian Games, a significant sum in a country where millions live below the poverty line, and the average annual income is only $2,380. Furthermore, successful Indian athletes may be offered stable government jobs as an even more enticing prize.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, for example, received a promotion to the rank of a senior railway official after winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, a recognition also granted to fellow wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik.
Singapore’s National Olympic Committee awards a substantial $146,000 prize to individual athletes who secure a gold medal, although it is barely enough to purchase a small flat in the affluent city-state.
Indonesia goes a step further by promising to provide a free home to any Asian Games medalist, provided they supply the land for its construction. Kuwaiti gold medalists Abdullah Al-Rashidi and Yaqoub Al-Youha are even offered cars as rewards, with shooter Al-Rashidi set to receive a Volvo.
In South Korea, male athletes who win gold at the Asian Games are granted exemptions from at least 18 months of military service, although this policy has sparked controversy.
Despite these monetary incentives, athletes often emphasize that their primary motivation is national pride and personal achievement. However, financial rewards can be life-changing, especially for athletes from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
For instance, Indian javelin champion Neeraj Chopra, who is a world, Olympic, and Asian Games champion, initially became a junior commissioned officer in the army before achieving his current iconic status. The financial support from his success has allowed him to help his family financially, which was not possible before.
In summary, while athletes often prioritize honor and national pride, the significant financial rewards associated with winning medals at the Asian Games can have a profound impact on their lives and provide valuable assistance to their families, especially those facing economic challenges.
