Maximum state players in Olympics due to sports policy: Hooda

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that it is due to the sports policy of the state government that maximum number of players from Haryana are participating in the London Olympics.

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Saturday said that it is due to the sports policy of the state government that maximum number of players from Haryana are participating in the upcoming London Olympics.

To inspire the players, the government has revised the award money given to the medal winners in sporting events, an official source said. An official release quoting Hooda said that as per the revised sports policy, Rs 11 lakh each would be given to those competing in the Olympics. Winners of gold medal would be given prize money of Rs 2.50 crore, silver medallist would get Rs 1.50 crore whereas winners of bronze medal would receive prize money of Rs one crore. He said that out of the seven selected boxers for London Games, five are from Haryana and all the three players who have qualified in wrestling are from the state. Hooda said that with a view to inspire the players, winners of gold and silver medal in Olympics, Asian Games and medal winners in other international competitions are being given employment as per their capability. Under this policy, the state government has given employment to 398 players. He said that with a view to strengthen sports structure, 13 academies have been set up. Players honoured with Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award and Bhim Award are being given Rs 5,000 every month. PTI