Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik presented Monday a total cash prize of rupees five crore to six hockey players of Odisha who were part of the medal-winning Indian men’s and women’s hockey teams at the recently-concluded Indonesia Asian Games.
Naveen felicitated all the players at the State Secretariat here and presented a cheque of rupees one crore each to four women players – Sunita Lakra, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz and Deep Grace Ekka. The eves had finished with the silver medal. Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas who were part of the bronze-winning men’s squad got Rs 50 lakh each.
Patnaik congratulated all the players for their success in the Asian Games. “The state and the country are proud of your success at the Asian Games. The state government will help all the players in all their future endeavours,” he assured.
Meanwhile Biju Patnaik Award winners for 2017—Sunita Lakra and Amit Rohidas were presented cash awards of Rs 2,00,000 along with a trophy and a plaque each as they were absent in the August 29 function.
Patnaik also presented Rs 7,50,000 each to athletes Jauna Murmu and Purnima Hembram for their participation in the Asian Games. He also felicitated both the athletes with mementos.
Sports Minister Chandra Sarathi Behera, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi and Sports Secretary Vishal Dev were present on the occasion.