For the likes of powerlifter Farman Basha, who earned INR8 lakh (£8,193/$13,000/€10,000) for his bronze medal at the Incheon 2014 Asian Para Games, the impact is somewhat life changing.

"I've been competing for 18 years and this is the first time this has happened," Basha said at the Ekalavya Awards ceremony at the Vidhana Soudha banquet hall.

"The money will help me a great deal."

Athletes that won multiple medals were awarded separately for each of them, meaning that Para-swimmer Sharath Gayakwad, who won five bronze and one silver medal, is due some INR55 lakh (£56,000/$89,000/€72,000) following Incheon 2014.

"We've been asking for equal treatment for a long time," he said.

"I'm glad it has finally happened.

"Our budget is not small, particularly if we want to take part in competitions overseas.

"With the World Championships in July next year, the money will help me in the preparation."

Sharath Gayakwad won five bronze and one silver medal at Incheon 2014 ©Wikipedia


Asian Para Games 800 metres T11 bronze medallist Mohammad Ali Shavaad said the INR8 lakh (£8,193/$13,000/€10,000) he won will help boost his training programme ahead of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

"My father passed away when I was five," he explained.

"My mother was extremely pleased on hearing this news.

"My aim is to qualify for the Rio Paralympics of 2016."

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