A Big Wave in Indian School Swimming — Why CISCE’s Cash Rewards Matter
When CISCE announced cash rewards for school swimmers, it sent a quiet signal through Indian aquatics. Here is why it matters more than it might seem.
Swimming is a tough sport. What makes it even tougher is that it never lets up. Swimmers train for years, honing technique, fixing flaws, and shaving time by microseconds. And even if they win, what do they actually take home? A medal. A certificate. If they’re lucky, maybe a Khelo India or TOPS selection. The medals bring glory, but in practical terms they count for precious little.
That’s exactly why the sport needs a carrot — something real for those who put in the work and shine, and something tempting for those who are on the fence. The recent announcement by Arijit Basu, CISCE Head, of a ₹1 lakh reward for each gold medal at the 69th National School Games, is a big step in that direction. According to sources, the silver medal reward will be ₹50,000 and bronze will receive ₹25,000.
Over the past few years, CISCE swimmers have been performing remarkably well at SGFI events. Considering the emphasis the board lays on academics, this sporting success has been a refreshing shift. And with this reward announcement, CISCE has reinforced a bigger message: academics are important, but so is sport. It is a welcome mindset change — students should grow in more than one direction.
As of today, this is the biggest prize purse available to any young-age swimmer in the country. It is bound to electrify the competition when the swimmers take the pool on December 30.
One hopes that other boards — CBSE and the rest — take note of the move by CISCE and introduce similar cash rewards for their medal-winning swimmers. Recognition matters. And if India wants to build athletes, not just toppers, this is how it starts.
