IOA urges CM to give cash awards to Haryana medalists

Chandigarh, Mar 7 (UNI) The Indian Olympic Association president and MP Suresh Kalmadi has advised the Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda to announce cash awards to medal winners of Haryana in the 33rd National Games held in Guwahati from February 9 to 18.

Drawing his attention to the announcement made by various states and Union Territories that they would be honouring their respective players who had won medals in Guwahati, Suresh Kalmadi in a communication to Mr Hooda said, ''In this context I would suggest your government to announce a cash award of Rs 3 lakh to the gold medal winner, Rs 2 lakh to the silver medalist and Rs 1 to the bronze medalist of Haryana.'' The IOA chief further said, ''The cash awards for the medal winners in Guwahati National Games may be presented in a specially organised function at the earliest, which will go a long way in motivating the youth for participating in sports in large numbers.'' ''The coaches who trained them may also be rewarded suitably,'' wrote Suresh Kalmadi. A copy of the letter was also sent to Haryana Olympic Association general secretary Mahinder Singh Malik.

Haryana sportspersons brought laurels to the state by winning 80 medals, including 30 golds.

UNI