The pension of medal winners in international competitions, like the Olympics [Images] and Asian Games, has been doubled with effect from July 1, the Sports Ministry announced on Thursday.

The decision was made by the General Committee, the apex body for managing the 'Sports Fund for Pension to meritorious sportspersons', which met in Delhi under the chairmanship of Sports Minister M S Gill.

"The Government has made 100 per cent increase in the pension of meritorious sportspersons," said a statement issued by the Ministry.

"The enhanced rates of pension will be applicable to both existing meritorious sportspersons drawing pension as well as sportspersons eligible in future. The new rates will be effective from July 1, 2008," it added.

As per the revised rates of pension, medalists at the Olympic Games will get Rs 10,000 in place of Rs 5000 and gold medalists at the World Cup/World Championships in Olympic and Asian Games disciplines will draw Rs 8000 instead of Rs 4000 per month.

Silver and bronze medallists at the World Cup/World Championships, Olympic and Asian Games disciplines and the gold winners of the Asian/Commonwealth Games will get Rs 7000 instead of Rs 3500.

It will be Rs 6000 for silver and bronze medalists at the Asian/Commonwealth Games.

Para Olympic Games goald, silver and bronze medal winners will get Rs 5000, Rs 4000 and Rs 3000 respectively per month.