Cash bonanza for Punjab sportspersons

Chandigarh, June 8 (UNI) The Punjab government today announced cash bonanza for the state sportspersons who will bring medals in Olympics, Asiad/Commonwealth Games and the official World Cup competitions.

Announcing the new sports policy here today, Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Punjab Sports and Youth Affairs, told newsmen that the Olympic gold medal winner from Punjab would be entitled to a cash prize of Rs one crore and runner-up would receive Rs 50 lakh.

The bronze medal winner will be richer by Rs 25 lakh. Announcing other cash incentives, Rana Sodhi said that the state government would felicitate gold medal in Asian Games or Commonwealth Games Rs seven lakh and silver medalist Rs five lakh. The bronze medal winner will be rewarded with a cheque for Rs three lakh.

The Punjab government would also disburse cash prizes among the Punjab sportspersons who win medals in the official World Cup. Gold, silver and bronze medal winners will be given cash incentives of Rs threelakh, Rs two lakh and and Rs one lakh respectively.

Mr Sodhi, himself a former international shooter, said the state government was also planning to introduce Lifetime Achievement award for sportspersons/sports promoters. The guidelines are being framed.

The Lifetime Achievement award will carry a cash award of Rs two lakh.

''The government is also introducing cash awards to handicap sportspersons who bring laurels to the state by winning medals,'' he added.

He also disclosed that a sum of Rs two crore has been earmarked for the repair of various sports stadia in the districts.

UNI XC PS DH DS1700