Odisha government felicitates Indian athletes with cash awards

Bhubaneswar, July 10: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Monday felicitated the Indian athletes who won medals at the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships with cash awards.

The event was held at Kalinga Stadium here from July 6-9.

The gold medal winners were awarded Rs 10 lakh, the silver medallists got Rs 7.5 lakh while those who bagged bronze medal received Rs 5 lakh.

The Chief Minister had made an announcement during the closing ceremony of the Asian athletics event to provide cash awards to the Indian athletes who had won medals.

"The performance of the Indian team at the championships has been icing on the cake. All of us are extremely proud and delighted that India not only topped the medal table but also registered its highest medal tally as well as highest haul of gold medals in the 44-year history of Asian Athletics Championships," the Chief Minister said.

Notably, India took the top spot in the medal standings bagging 12 gold, 5 silver and 12 bronze medals.

Patnaik also wished the athletes success in their future endeavours. He also extended best wishes for those who will be participating in the World Athletics Championships in August.