(MOREPIC1) Face2News/Chandigarh
Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that the present state government is actively nurturing and promoting emerging talent in sports. To encourage the morale of the players who have brought laurels are the international and national stage, the prize money for medal-winning athletes at the Asian Games has been increased, said Sh. Manohar Lal while addressing a press conference held here today.
The Chief Minister emphasized that his government has raised the prize money across all categories, surpassing the efforts of previous administrations. He said that the government will provide comprehensive support and facilities to foster Haryana's emergence as the country's premier sports hub.
(SUBHEAD)The Chief Minister also highlighted the impressive performance of Haryana's athletes at the ongoing 19th Asian Games in China. He said that out of 655 Indian athletes participating in these games, a remarkable 86 are from Haryana. These athletes have collectively secured 22 medals, including 7 gold, 3 silver, and 12 bronze. Haryana athletes have achieved 15 medals in individual events, consisting of 5 gold and 10 bronze medals. Additionally, they have contributed 7 medals in team events, comprising 2 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals, shared Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Chief Minister also shared information about a significant increase in prize money compared to the previous Congress government's tenure from 2005 to 2014. He said that during the Congress regime, Asian Games gold medalists in Haryana received Rs 2 crore in cash, silver medalists received Rs 1 crore, and bronze medalists received Rs 50 lakh. However, the current government has substantially raised the prize money, awarding Rs 3 crore to gold medal winners, Rs 1.5 crore to silver medalists, and Rs 75 lakh to bronze medalists. Additionally, participating athletes receive an incentive amount of Rs 7.5 lakh from the state government, shared Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Chief Minister further informed that the state government also offers extensive support to athletes in their preparations for various international competitions. An advance amount of Rs 2.5 lakh is provided to athletes participating in the Asian and Para Asian Games, ensuring they can prepare for their events without financial concerns, said Sh. Manohar Lal.
