Haryana government felicitates Asian Games athletes

CHANDIGARH - The Haryana government Wednesday felicitated the Asian Games medal winners and participants from the state with cash prizes at a function here Wednesday.

Haryana’s six medal winners in Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and Paralympics Asian Games in China were also felicitated.

Earlier, the Haryana government doled out millions to honour the state sportspersons for their remarkable performance at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games, where they bagged 37 out of India’s total haul of 101 medals.

In the Asian Games, Haryana athletes won 31 medals: 13 gold, 9 silver and 9 bronze.

Gold, silver and bronze medallists were given cash prizes of Rs.25 lakh, Rs.15 lakh and Rs.10 lakh respectively.

The participants were awarded Rs.2 lakh each whereas coaches of the gold, silver and bronze medallists received cash prizes of Rs.300,000, Rs.200,000 and Rs.100,000 respectively.

After honouring the players, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said: “We will adopt a three-pronged strategy for producing world class sportspersons in future. It includes strengthening of sports infrastructure, hunt for hidden talent and ensuring secure future of the sportspersons.”

“We have decided to provide sports infrastructure in 1000 villages per year. 11 more sports academies would be set up in the state and new stadiums will be constructed, especially in rural areas, as a part of our drive to provide better facilities to sportspersons.”

The gold medal winners at the Asian Games are: Vikas Yadav, Vijender Singh (boxing), Kaptan Singh, Samarjeet, Jagdeep Singh, Sonu Narwal, Jasmer Gulia, Jasmer, Anup, Manjeet (all men’s kabaddi), Manisha, Kavita Dangi (women’s kabaddi), and Sanam Krishan Singh (lawn tennis).