Bhubaneswar: Congratulating sprinter Dutee Chand for winning silver medal at Asian Games 2018 at Indonesia in the 100 metres dash event, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday announced a cash reward of Rs 1.5 crore.
To rev up the athletes, the state government is also planning to set up a state-of-the-art Athletics Academy – the first of its kind in Odisha soon. A press statement issued by the CMO said it is a matter of pride that an athlete from Odisha has brought laurels to the country in this event after 20 years.
Stating the fastest men and women in the country are from Odisha, the CMO said, “The state has a special focus on athletics considering the performance of its athletes in recent times and the huge potential among the talented youth.” To encourage athletics, the state government had organised the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship in 2017 in partnership with the IAAF, it said.
However, Dutee is not fully satisfied with this announcement. She said medal winners in other states are being given more cash awards. She said she expected the government to gift her land or flat in Bhubaneswar.
CM announces Rs 1.5cr cash award for Sprint Queen
