Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Thursday announced the financial award—Rs 4 crore for Gold and Silver medals and Rs 2.5 crore for Bronze–for Odisha athletes at the Tokyo Olympics.
The announcement came during an interaction the Chief Minister had with the participants.
Mr.Patnaik encouraged the Odisha Olympians and wished them all success.
He also announced an award of Rs 1.5 lakh for each sports person who has qualified for the Olympics.
The Chief Minister said that the Olympics are the biggest dream for every athlete.
Welcoming Olympians Duti Chand, Pramod Bhagat, Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas, the Chief Minister said, “You have become a role model for the youth of Odisha. You are a source of pride for your family and for all of us.”
He hoped these sportspersons would win medals through hard work, determination and discipline.
Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera congratulated the athletes and hoped that their success at the Olympics would bring glory to Odisha in the field of sports.
On the occasion, all the players gave their personal opinions and said that they would do well in the Olympics to bring glory to the state and the country and thanked the state government for its cooperation.
“We will do well and bring glory to the country,” the sports persons said responding to the Chief Minister.
In a meeting with the players, the Chief Minister’s Secretary 5-T VK Pandian, inquired about the preparations of the athletes and their need for this.
Vishal Dev, Principal Secretary, Department of Sports, gave a welcome address and Special Secretary, R Vineel Krishna, wished success to the participants.
Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra, Development Commissioner PK Jena and key secretaries and secretaries of various departments were present on the occasion.