Meghalaya government has provided cash rewards to 231 athletes from the state. Chief minister Conrad Sangma provided Rs 81 lakh to the athletes at a function held in Shillong on July 27.
There were 73 athletes recognised for their achievements in Olympic sports, and 158 athletes recognised for their achievements in sports that are not Olympic sports.
Sangma, who was speaking to the crowd that gathered in the U Soso Tham auditorium in Shillong on July 27, said that the felicitation ceremony is a manner of expressing gratitude to the sportspeople for their accomplishments.
“This is a token of appreciation for the hard work that has been put in by you and for the laurels and the different medals that you have won for yourself and the associations representing the state,” chief minister Conrad Sangma said.
Sangma said that the government is aware of the difficulties that are experienced by athletes, as well as the possibilities that exist within the realm of sports, and that more has to be done to be able to promote and provide the opportunity to flourish in these endeavours.
According to him, there are significant policy issues that need to be addressed as well as significant areas of infrastructural needs that need to be put into place.
“I am happy to inform you that the Sports Policy of the state government has tried to address all these concerns,” he added.
A financial award of Rs 75 lakh had been given by the state sports department for an athlete who won gold at the Olympics. Rs 50 lakh had been announced for silver, and Rs 30 lakh had been declared for bronze.
Those who finish on the podium in world cups and earn a gold, silver, or bronze medal will take home Rs 30 lakh, Rs 20 lakh, and Rs 10 lakh, respectively. When it comes to the national games, the prizes for winning gold, silver, and bronze are each worth 2 lakhs, 1.5 lakhs, and 1 lakh respectively.
A number of high-ranking officials from the State Olympic Association as well as minister of sports and youth affairs, Banteidor Lyngdoh, were present at the event.
