Kumar Bahukhandi
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday August 18 honoured eight Olympic hockey players from the state with a cash award of Rs one crore each. In his address, the Chief Minister said that this is a historic occasion as these sons of the soil who have brought laurels to the state and the country are being honoured.
He said that these players have brought pride and satisfaction to the entire country with this important victory. He said that he has personally watched every hockey match of the team and the brilliant performance of these players has made everyone feel proud. The Chief Minister also gave Rs 15 lakh each to 11 other participants who took part in the Olympic Games.
The Chief Minister said that it was a great pleasure to see the Indian team defeating Australia after a gap of 52 years. He said that the matches against Spain, England and others were equally spectacular. He said that winning a medal by the team is like a dream come true for every countryman and the best part is that the team was led by Captain Harmanpreet Singh, who led the team to victory. Mann said this leadership ability was outstanding and because of this the team won bronze medal in Paris Olympics. The Chief Minister said that Harman scored 10 goals alone in the Olympics. He said that the whole country is wishing these players good luck today and is overwhelmed by their achievement.
Mann said that Indian hockey is on the path of revival. Punjab is considering to organise a league tournament between four world-class teams in November. The Chief Minister said that the third edition of Kheda Watan Punjab Diyan will start on August 28, which will act as a catalyst to promote sports in the state. The Chief Minister also said that apart from giving cash awards and jobs to the medal-winning players, the state will also explore the feasibility of giving them promotion in the jobs already given to them. On this occasion, Indian hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh praised the Chief Minister for providing a conducive environment to promote sports.
He said that felicitating medal winners by the state government will further promote sports in the state. Hockey player Mandeep Singh also thanked the Chief Minister for promoting sports. He also promised the Chief Minister that the colour of the medal will change next time in the Olympics.
