BANGALORE: To motivate and encourage the hockey players to win gold medals in the upcoming Olympics in London, Chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda here on Monday distributed cash awards of Rs 5 lakh to each of the four hockey players from the state.
“It is a matter of pride for the entire state. These four players have upheld the glory of our state and country by winning gold medal in Olympics last year. It is our duty to recognise such feats and motivate them to perform better and win the gold medals in the upcoming London Olympics too,” said Gowda, who also holds the sports portfolio.
Gowda handed over cheque to Captain and goalkeeper Bharat Chetri, defenders Ignace Tirkey and V R Raghunath and S K Uthappa. He also handed over `5 lakh cheque to the these players for their triumph in last year’s Olympics.
Gowda distributed a cheque of Rs 1 lakh to Vinay, who has been elected as a stand-by for London Olympics. Also three hockey coaches from the state- A B Subbaiah, B J Kariappa, Gangadhara Thapashetty were also given `1 lakh each.
He said that the government will introduce a ‘Youth Policy’. Principal Secretary to Department of Youth Services and Sports, I R Perumal and others were present.