India's top swimmer Veerdhawal Khade feels that the athletes lack motivation to take part in South Asian Games.

He said the reason is that there is hardly any cash incentive for medal winners in the biggest sporting extravaganza of the region.

"We need cash incentives for medal winners as it could inspire more sportpersons to compete. It will definitely help motivate sportpersons," Khade told PTI.

"The players spend a lot on travelling and training. Some cash incentive would definitely help. Moreover, it would not only act as a recognition, but also increases the motivation level," said Khade, who in 2008 became the youngest ever Indian swimmer to make the Olympics.

It was only on the insistence of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) that a full strength swimming contingent studded with Olympian trio of Khade, Sandeep Sejwal and Rehan Poncha decided to take part in the event at the last moment.

"Everybody was in a training phase preparing for the Commonwealth Games (in October 2010). We were not prepared to come here and did not know about our participation. At the last moment, we were told to come here."

Having competed last in Asian swimming competition in China in November last year, Khade said this competition would help him better prepare for the Commonwealth Games this year and also maintain his fitness level.

"I have not been competing for a long. Last year, I had taken part in the Asian meet with one silver and one bronze.

"In the Asian age group in Japan in August last year, I had four gold, two silver and one bronze. Competing after a long lay-off, this meet will help me assess where I stand before the CWG," Khade said.

Due to less number of events, Khade, who had six SAG gold (Colombo 2006) with three records under his belt, will compete in the 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly and relay.

He lamented that there are very few number of events this time around compared to 30-odd in the last edition.

"This time there is only 19 events (11 for men's, six women's and two relay). There are very less events. But we hope to bag 90 per cent of the gold medals," Khade said.

After competing in SAG, Khade will head to Australia this month-end for an intensive training programme ahead of the Commonwealth Games from October 3-14.