Guj govt announces Rs 2 lakh reward for walker Panocha

Ahmedabad: The State government has announced a cash reward of Rs two lakh for Babubhai Panocha for setting a new national record in the 20 km walking category at the recently held International Walking Championship in Poland, an official statement said.The announcement was made by State Minister for Sports, Youth and Cultural Affairs Fakir Vaghela, it said.

Vaghela congratulated Panocha for completing 20km walk in one hour 24 minutes five seconds and setting up a new national record. The statement said that Panocha has been selected for the World Athletics Championship and would be representing India in the 20 km walk event. Panocha is the first Indian to qualify for the 20 km walk at the World championship to be held in Berlin, Germany from August 15, it added. Bureau Report