Beijing-bound athletes honoured in Karnataka

{image-karutha beijing_30072008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Bangalore, Jul 30: The Karnataka government has provided Rs Five lakh to each of the seven sports persons belonging to the state who are representing the country in the Beijing Olympics.

In a written reply to K B Munivenkata Reddy (Cong), the Minister for Sports and Youth Services Gullihatti D Shekar said the amount was distributed at a function recently to Anup Sridhar (Badminton), Rehan Poncha (Swimming), Vikas Gowda, Poovamma, J J Shobha, Pramila Ayyappa (all Athletics) and Mahesh Bhupati (Tennis). He said that Rs One lakh was also given to each of the Coaches of the players.Mr Reddy said the government was committed to provide necessary encouragement to the sportspersons.

UNI