Sports

Disparities in Bonuses for Olympic and Paralympic Gold Medalists Spark Debate

Published

2 years ago

December 29, 2024

RTX

As 2024 comes to a close, athletes worldwide are celebrating their victories, but a glaring disparity has emerged between the rewards for Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists. A CNN Sport analysis reveals significant differences in bonuses, with Paralympic champions often receiving considerably less than their Olympic counterparts.

Of the 205 nations and territories competing in the Paris 2024 Games, at least 74 countries provided prize money to Olympic gold medalists, while only 55 extended similar rewards to Paralympic medalists. Furthermore, only 30 nations awarded equal bonuses to both groups of athletes.

For example, Singapore awarded its Olympic gold medalists 1 million Singapore dollars (approximately $770,000), while Paralympic champions received half that amount. Similarly, Hong Kong’s Paralympic gold medalists were awarded HK$1.5 million (around $190,000), compared to HK$6 million (around $770,000) for their Olympic peers.

Vietnam exhibited the largest discrepancy identified: Olympic gold medalists were promised $1 million, while Paralympic champions received just $15,700—less than 2% of the Olympic bonus.

This disparity is not universal. Some countries, such as Canada, Georgia, and Australia, offer equal bonuses to Olympic and Paralympic champions. Australia awards AU$20,000 (around $13,400) to both groups, while Georgia is among the most generous, offering $370,000 to all gold medalists.

Structural Challenges and Athlete Reactions

The differences in rewards often stem from how Olympic and Paralympic committees are funded and governed. In some countries, separate entities manage these committees, leading to unequal resource allocation. For example, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee relies entirely on private funding, while other nations, such as Great Britain and China, receive significant government support.

Paralympic athletes and advocates have voiced their frustration. Nine-time Paralympic gold medalist Hannah Cockroft called the discrepancies “frustrating,” urging greater parity in rewards. “We want parity, and that’s what we push for every time,” she told Sky Sports.

Ian Brittain, an expert in Paralympic sports, noted that these disparities reinforce systemic discrimination against disabled people, who often face greater personal and financial barriers to success.

Steps Toward Equality

There are signs of progress. Countries like Latvia and Lithuania have moved toward parity, with Lithuania pledging to equalize bonuses soon. Australia’s recent increase in Paralympic funding now provides higher per-athlete support for para-athletes than their able-bodied counterparts.

British athletes, meanwhile, receive government and National Lottery funding rather than direct bonuses. Sarah Storey, Great Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, said this approach is beneficial for planning but added that additional funding for equipment and preparation would further support para-athletes.

As nations continue to reassess their funding models, the push for equitable treatment of Olympic and Paralympic champions remains an ongoing battle, reflecting broader societal challenges in achieving equality.

Sports

Guirassy scores as Guinea edge Kenya in AFCON 2027 qualifier

Published

2 weeks ago

October 2, 2026

Web Reporter

Serhou Guirassy marked his first match as Guinea captain by scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Kenya in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday.

The Borussia Dortmund striker struck in the 32nd minute to settle the Group D matchday two encounter in Conakry, where a capacity crowd of 25,000 watched Guinea secure their first points of the qualifying campaign.

Guirassy’s goal came after Guinea full-back Sekou Sylla broke into the penalty area and was blocked by a Kenyan defender. The loose ball fell to Guirassy, who quickly fired past goalkeeper Bryne Odhiambo to put the hosts ahead.

The 30-year-old forward had already threatened the Kenyan goal earlier in the first half. His free-kick beat the defensive wall but came back off the woodwork as Guinea pressed for an early breakthrough.

Guirassy remained a major attacking threat after the interval and came close to doubling Guinea’s advantage shortly after half-time. Kenya centre-back Frank Odhiambo produced a brave block to deny the Dortmund forward another goal.

The victory also provided a positive response for Guinea following their 2-0 defeat by South Africa in their opening qualifier last Saturday.

Portuguese coach Paulo Duarte made four changes to the side for the meeting with Kenya, including leaving out regular captain and centre-back Saidou Sow. Guirassy was handed the captain’s armband and responded by producing the decisive moment of the match.

South Africa lead Group D after two rounds with six points. They strengthened their position on Wednesday by defeating Eritrea 5-0.

Guinea moved onto three points following their victory, while Kenya and Eritrea have one point each.

The qualifying structure gives Kenya a different objective from the other teams in the group. Kenya are co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and will qualify automatically for the tournament.

Kenya are nevertheless participating in the qualifying competition to gain competitive match experience ahead of the tournament, meaning the remaining three teams in Group D are competing for the single available qualifying place.

Guinea will now look to build on Thursday’s result as they continue their campaign, with Guirassy’s leadership and scoring ability providing an important boost.

For Kenya, the defeat leaves them with one point from two matches, although their involvement in the qualifiers is primarily intended to provide preparation for their role as tournament co-hosts.

Guirassy’s goal was ultimately enough to give Guinea a valuable home victory and keep them within three points of group leaders South Africa after two rounds.

Sports

Auqib Nabi Makes History as First Jammu and Kashmir Cricketer to Earn India Test Call-Up

Published

2 months ago

August 9, 2026

Web Reporter

Auqib Nabi’s childhood prediction that one day cricket stars would ask him for selfies has become reality after the 29-year-old all-rounder made history as the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to receive an India Test call-up.

Nabi was added to India’s squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, which begins on 15 August, after replacing Jasprit Bumrah. His selection represents a major milestone for a region where sporting opportunities have long been restricted by limited infrastructure, harsh winters and years of conflict.

Raised in a village in Baramulla district, Nabi began playing cricket on local grounds with few facilities. His father, Ghulam Nabi Dar, initially wanted him to focus on education and become a doctor.

“There was no scope in cricket,” his father said, recalling how he once believed pursuing sport was a waste of time. His view changed after seeing his son’s commitment to the game, and he began supporting Nabi’s ambitions.

Nabi travelled about 70km to Srinagar to train on proper cricket pitches and did not even own spike shoes when he attended his first trials. His cousin Bilal Ahmad Dar said Nabi maintained an intense training routine for years, combining early morning gym sessions with long hours of cricket practice.

His breakthrough came in 2020 when he made his Ranji Trophy debut for Jammu and Kashmir and took five wickets against Jharkhand.

The all-rounder continued to develop and claimed 44 wickets during the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, becoming the competition’s leading fast bowler. His biggest breakthrough came the following season, when he took 60 wickets in 10 matches and helped Jammu and Kashmir win their first Ranji Trophy title after 67 years.

The performances earned him an Indian Premier League contract worth 84 million rupees, with Delhi Capitals, although his opportunities in the tournament were limited.

Former Jammu and Kashmir captain Parvez Rasool said Nabi’s discipline and work ethic had always distinguished him.

Jammu and Kashmir has been affiliated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India since 1957 but continues to have limited major cricket facilities. The region has two main stadiums, while severe winters, snowfall and past instability have presented additional challenges.

Rasool said Nabi’s selection could inspire young players across the region by showing that a career in professional cricket is possible.

“For a long time, people questioned whether someone from our region could make it to India’s Test team,” Rasool said. “Auqib has answered that question.”

For Nabi’s father, the achievement has brought a new kind of recognition. He said people now approach him in public to say they know him as “Auqib’s father”.

After years of travelling, training and waiting for recognition, Nabi has reached the national stage, fulfilling a promise he made as a young cricketer.

Sports

Boxer Raven Chapman Could Return to UK Next Week After Second Successful Surgery

Published

2 months ago

August 8, 2026

Web Reporter

British boxer Raven Chapman could return to the UK next week after undergoing a second successful operation following a serious brain injury sustained during a training session in Denmark.

The 32-year-old former world title challenger collapsed after a sparring session on July 24 and was airlifted to hospital. Doctors diagnosed her with a brain haematoma and cerebral oedema, requiring emergency surgery and intensive medical care.

Chapman was placed in a medically induced coma following the initial operation. Her management company, Vote Boxing, has now confirmed that she has undergone another successful procedure as doctors continue to monitor her recovery.

“This marks another important step in her recovery while also making it safer for her to travel back to the UK,” the company said in a statement.

The management team said that if her condition continues to improve, Chapman is expected to fly home sometime next week. She would then continue her rehabilitation surrounded by family and close friends.

“Although there is still a long road ahead, this is a significant milestone, and we remain hopeful as Raven continues to make progress each day,” the statement added.

Chapman, who was born in Norwich, has recorded 10 victories and two defeats during her professional boxing career. She became a prominent figure in women’s boxing after challenging for the WBC featherweight world title.

Her most notable defeat came against Skye Nicolson in October 2024, when the two fighters met for the WBC featherweight championship in Saudi Arabia. The bout was the first women’s world title fight staged in the country.

News of Chapman’s condition has prompted widespread support from the boxing community and the public. A GoFundMe campaign established to help cover the costs of her rehabilitation and after-care has raised more than £88,000.

Her management company thanked those who have contributed to the fundraiser and sent messages of support during her hospitalisation.

“Your generosity and support have meant more than words can express and have provided tremendous strength to Raven and her loved ones,” the statement said.

The campaign is expected to assist Chapman and her family with the continuing costs associated with her recovery once she returns to Britain.

While the latest operation has provided encouragement, Chapman still faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation. Her medical team will continue to assess her condition before and after the planned journey home.

For her family, supporters and colleagues in boxing, the possibility of returning to Britain represents another important stage in her recovery following the medical emergency in Denmark.

The focus now remains on her continued progress and ensuring she receives the specialist care and support required in the months ahead.