Five Haryana players get Bhim Awards

Chandigarh, Jun 6 (UNI) Haryana Governor A R Kidwai and Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today conferred Bhim Awards on five international sportspersons of the state who excelled in the field of sports during 2006-07.

Those who were presented Bhim Awards were Dinesh Kumar Singh (Volleyball), Naveen Kumar (Wrestling), Ravinder Kaur (Hockey), Jyotsana (Boxing) and Krishna Punia (Athletics).

They were given a cash award of Rs one lakh each besides a blazer, a memento and a tie or scarf.

Besides, 37 players of the state who had won medals at the Asian Games held at Doha (Qatar) and at the national and international meets were given cash prizes of Rs 1.70 crore.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Hooda said one handicapped sportsperson of the state would also be honoured along with five Bhim Awardees from the next year.

He also announced that a new sports policy of the state will be formulated soon benefiting talented players and boosting the sports culture.

He said preference would be given to good players in the recruitment of Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors in the police force.

Dr Kidwai praised the Haryana Government for extending adequate facilities to the players which had resulted in their winning medals at the national and international levels.

UNI