New Delhi, Aug 4 : Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. M.S. Gill today gave away special cash awards to 42 sportspersons and coaches for winning medals in the International Sports Events held during 2006.

While addressing the sportspersons and coaches after distribution of cash awards, Dr. Gill said, "I value coaches and want to expand the national cadre of coaches."

He further stated that without worthwhile coaches and coaching it is difficult to achieve the high standards in the sports because it has become very technical in nature.

"The Ministry will provide good working conditions to them and in return they should give their best," Dr. Gill added.

Among the awardees, 31 were from boxing, ten from chess and one from swimming.

Aaron D'Souza got the cash award of Rs. 13,50,000 for winning three gold and three bronze medals in 4th Asian Age Group Aquatic Championships at Bangkok in 2005.

Koneru Ashok, chess coach received a cheque of Rs. five lakh, Tania Sachdev and L.V. Siva Kumar got Rs. three lakh each and P.M. Mohanty got cash award of Rs. two lakh for winning chess championships.

Among the boxing coaches who received cash award were: Jagdish Singh, M.S. Dhaka, Anoop Kumar,. Hemlata Bagdwal, R. Biakliana, Mahavir Singh, D. Chandralal, I.V. Rao and Ajit Singh.

The total amount of Rs. 1,08,15,000 was distributed as special cash awards to sportspersons or coaches in the function.

ANI