A sports medal bonus is not automatically tax-free in India just because it is linked to a medal. Under section 10(17A) of the Income-tax Act, 1961, qualifying cash or in-kind awards for proficiency in sports and games can be excluded from total income if the award was instituted by the Central or a State Government, or approved by the Central Government. The payer, award scheme and any approval order matter.
When can a sports award be exempt?
Section 10(17A) of the Income-tax Act, 1961 covers payments in cash or kind made in pursuance of qualifying awards for proficiency in sports and games. The award must have been instituted by the Central or a State Government, or approved by the Central Government. An approval order applies only for the assessment year or years it specifies. Read the statutory text at Income-tax Act, 1961.
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The Income Tax Department’s explanation specifically gives rewards to medal winners in the Olympic, Commonwealth or Asian Games as examples. That example does not make every payment connected with those competitions exempt: the statutory conditions still apply. See the Department’s section 10(17A) explanatory material.
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The label “medal bonus” is not enough to determine its tax treatment. Establish the identity of the payer and the award or scheme under which the payment was made. If the award was not instituted by the Central or a State Government, check whether there is a Central Government approval order and whether it covers the relevant assessment year.
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- Front Opening Door for Easy Access: Designed with a front-opening door and metal latch, making it simple to add, remove, or rearrange medals anytime. Smooth to open and close, and easy to manage with one hand while keeping everything securely in place
- Layered Display That Actually Shows Every Medal: Three rods are arranged front-to-back at stepped heights, with the front rod highest and the rear rods slightly lower. This layout lets shorter medals sit in front and longer ones fall naturally behind, creating a clean, staggered display instead of everything piling up at the bottom. Holds up to 45 medals in an organized, visible layout
- Designed for Different Ribbon Lengths: Short ribbons can be mounted directly by unscrewing the rod, while longer medals can be looped around with ease. Included clear clips help manage extra ribbon length, keeping everything aligned and visually balanced
- Dust-Proof Protection with a Clean, Display-Ready Finish: Designed with a smooth, modern frame and a clear viewing panel, this medal display keeps your collection protected from dust and daily wear while maintaining a polished look. The velvet backing enhances contrast to highlight each medal, while the slim top (2.36 in deep) is ideal for small, low-profile keepsakes. Perfect for running, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, and more
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| Payment category | What to establish | What the available rule supports |
|---|---|---|
| Award instituted by the Central or a State Government | Confirm the payment is made in pursuance of that qualifying sports award. | Section 10(17A) provides an exemption for qualifying cash or in-kind awards. |
| Award instituted by another body | Locate the Central Government approval order and check the assessment year or years it specifies. | Approval is relevant only within the period stated in the order. |
| Private, sponsor, federation or other payment without a demonstrated qualifying link | Determine whether it is actually paid under an award meeting the statutory institution or approval conditions. | A medal connection or payment label alone does not establish exemption. |
How the Ministry’s medal-incentive scheme fits
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports publishes the “Scheme of Cash Incentive to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches”; the version referenced here is amended as of 1 February 2025. It describes eligibility and incentives for specified events. The scheme helps identify the context for a government payment, but its existence or incentive amount is not, by itself, a tax ruling that every medal-related payment is exempt. The actual award must still meet the tax-law conditions. See the Ministry scheme.
Where to report the award in an ITR
Do not assume a particular return form, schedule or field based only on the award’s description. The exact ITR disclosure field for this kind of award was not established in the official materials cited here, and the applicable form can depend on the tax year and the taxpayer’s wider filing circumstances. Check the current return form and instructions for the relevant year, along with the law that applies to that receipt.
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- Coloch medal display case’s external dimension is 7.1x 9.2x 1.4 inches, and the visual area is 7.5x 5.5 in. It is designed for single medal or for a 7 inch picture. The internal depth is 0.7 inches, enough for most medals. Package includes 2 medal display cases, 8 double-sided sticky pad, and 6 hooks for hanging.( No medal included)
- Wood Frame& Glass: The medal display frame is made of wood, odorless, lightweight and solid. The glass window in a medal display frame provides a clear view of your medals. It allows the viewer to admire the intricate designs, symbols, and inscriptions on the medals.
- Two Ways of Displaying: The badge stand box is designed with a built-in bracelet, safe to put on your table. There are two hooks on the back, with which you can hang the frame on the wall.
- Show Your Glory: Black and white are very simple, and can be matched with any color of the medal, making the medal more dazzling. You can display your glory in your desk, bedroom, living room, or anywhere else.
- Wide Application: This medal display case can be used for medals for all kinds of sports, including Swimming, Marathon, Tennis, Basket, Running and so on. The stand can also be applied to medals for other competitions. Remove the cardboard and background paper, you will get a picture frame!
The Income Tax Department portal lists resources for the Income-tax Act, 2025 and Income-tax Rules, 2026, as well as return forms and utilities. The precise corresponding exemption provision under the new Act and the specific reporting field are not identified here. For a receipt governed by the new Act, verify its current provision and return instructions rather than assuming section 10(17A) or a field from an earlier year. Use the Department’s official forms and downloads and tax portal.
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Best Value
- Comprehensive Package: our package consists of 1 medal display case, complemented by 2 expansion screws and a screwdriver; With complete accessories included, setting it up on wall becomes a seamless task
- Solid Wood Craftsmanship with Protective Glass: crafted from solid wood with a glass cover designed to resist scratches, explosions, and UV rays; This keeps your medals preserved and beautifully exhibited
- Generous Dimensions for Diverse Collections: sized at approximately 23.62 x 19.69 x 1.77 inches/ 60 x 50 x 4.5 cm, our medal display frame is designed to hold up to 16 medals; Ample space ensures each medal is showcased in all its glory
- User Friendly Setup: access the back of the display case for easy medal arrangement; Secure your medals by threading the ribbon through a designated slot; Remember to gently remove the protective film from the glass for a clear, pristine view
- Versatile Application: this sports medals frame is designed for various sports, ideal for displaying medals from marathons, triathlons, football, wrestling, martial arts, swimming, and more; It's a fitting tribute to diverse athletic achievements
Rank #4
- Commemorate Achievements: these medals display case is expertly designed to preserve your cherished, triumphant moments that merit remembrance; Additionally, remember to peel off the protective plastic from both sides of the acrylic panel to enjoy a crystal-clear view of your medals; Medals not included
- Ideal Size: with dimensions of about 20.87 × 16.93 × 1.18 inches, this frame provides ample space to arrange your medals creatively; Whether they are an intricate collection of sports, academic, or service awards, this display case accommodates their varying sizes and forms, enabling a comprehensive and personal showcase
- Effortless Setup: you receive the medal display frame fully assembled for your convenience; Simply open the back, thread the ribbon through the designated slot, and secure it with the supplied masking tape
- Quality Material: crafted with clear acrylic and a robust MDF frame and backing board, these medal display shadow box is specifically applied for durability; The 98% UV-resistant acrylic guards against fading, ensuring that the luster of your accomplishments stays vibrant over time
- Thoughtful Gift: offering these medals display stand is an exceptional way to acknowledge a friend's or family member's success in any competition; It ensures their accomplishments are showcased with elegance and becomes a cherished memory souvenir
Rank #3
- Comprehensive Package: our package consists of 1 medal display case, complemented by 2 expansion screws and a screwdriver; With complete accessories included, setting it up on wall becomes a seamless task
- Solid Wood Craftsmanship with Protective Glass: crafted from solid wood with a glass cover designed to resist scratches, explosions, and UV rays; This keeps your medals preserved and beautifully exhibited
- Generous Dimensions for Diverse Collections: sized at approximately 13.39 x 10.63 x 1.77 inches/ 34 x 27 x 4.5 cm, our medal display frame is designed to hold up to 6 medals; Ample space ensures each medal is showcased in all its glory
- User Friendly Setup: access the back of the display case for easy medal arrangement; Secure your medals by threading the ribbon through a designated slot; Remember to gently remove the protective film from the glass for a clear, pristine view
- Versatile Application: this sports medals frame is designed for various sports, ideal for displaying medals from marathons, triathlons, football, wrestling, martial arts, swimming, and more; It's a fitting tribute to diverse athletic achievements
Records to keep before filing
- The award or scheme terms that explain why the payment was made.
- Payment documentation identifying the payer, amount and date.
- If relying on Central Government approval, the approval order and its specified assessment year or years.
- The current-year return form and instructions used to decide how to disclose the receipt.
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