President Emomali Rahmon has ordered the allocation of 1,787,500 somonis (approximately US$164,000) from the Presidential Reserve Fund to reward winners and medalists of international sports competitions, as well as their coaches, the Tajik president’s official website says. 

According to the statement, this decision reaffirms that the development of sports remains a top priority for the country's leadership.

The allocated funds will be distributed among 46 athletes and their coaches who have achieved success in international-level competitions.  However, the specific recipients of the awards have not been disclosed.

The Presidential Reserve Fund spending accounts for almost 1.3 percent of budget allocations.  The Presidential Reserve Fund reportedly finances charitable activities and some other events. 

The funds are used at the discretion of President Emomali Rahmon for charity, social work, and emergency situations.  In particular, in recent years, republican Olympiads in the field of education and culture have been held using the reserve funds.  In 2020, additional allowances were paid from the fund to doctors who worked under the conditions of the coronavirus pandemic.  At the same time, prizes were paid from the President’s fund to athletes who won medals in international competitions.

Presidential award for athletes

In 2015, President Rahmon signed a decree establishing the “President of Tajikistan's Award for Winners and Medalists of International Sports Competitions.”  Each year, outstanding athletes receive this prestigious award.

So far, 370 athletes have been recognized under this program, with a total of 8.25 million somonis allocated from the Presidential Reserve Fund.