Thiruvananthapuram | Keralam Sports Minister O J Janeesh on Tuesday announced cash rewards of Rs 50 lakh for state athletes winning gold medals at the Asian Games, Rs 30 lakh for silver and Rs 20 lakh for bronze.

Speaking at a function here, Janeesh said all athletes from the state participating in the Games would be given Rs 1 lakh in advance.

He also announced cash incentives for coaches of medal winners -- Rs 5 lakh for gold, Rs 3 lakh for silver and Rs 2 lakh for bronze.

Janeesh said there had been delays in announcing cash rewards for winners of such competitions in Keralam in the past and that he was announcing the incentives in advance this time.