Talking about the new revised cash award scheme, Odia Olympian sprinter Srabani Nanda expressed, “In 2010 when I won an International bronze medal, received only Rs 3 lakh of cash award from the state government. Comparatively, it is way more now. But the only thing I don’t like in the revised guidelines regarding fixing the cash award lifetime of a sportsperson.”

She also said, “If we look at many other countries athletes have to pay to enter a sports ground. Where in India we get most things for free with support from SAI and the state government. As an athlete, I will always feel happy if athletes get more prize money and continue sports in happy and pleasant situations.”

Other changes made in the revised scheme, If an athlete won more than one medal in a particular meet he/she will get the highest medal value cash award. If a sportsperson wins multiple highest positions (gold medals/ 1st position) in the same sports competition she/ he shall be eligible to be sanctioned with a cash award for the number of highest positions won.

If a sportsperson wins a lower position/ medal in a sports event than the previous year, in the same competition, she/ he shall not be eligible for any cash award for the subsequent year for her/ his performance.