DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam, said that Haryana's sports policy is one of the best in the country. As a result, athletes from the state are winning the maximum number of medals in international competitions and bringing pride to the nation. He said that coaches play a key role in shaping these medal-winning athletes, and the government deeply respects and values their contributions. In this regard, the minister has approved cash awards totaling Rs.3.66 crore for 31 coaches of medal winning players in international competitions.The coaches will receive their award amounts soon.

Gautam said that coaches across the state should continue training athletes with dedication so that they can bring more medals for the country. The state government has recently released an amount of about Rs. 32 crore as cash award for the players who won medals in the 4th Para Asian Games 2022, he added.

He said that Olympic gold medalists from the state receive Rs.7 crore, silver medalists receive Rs.5 crore, and bronze medalists get Rs.3 crore. To strengthen athletes financially, the government also provides a 3 percent job reservation quota for sportspersons. The Sports Minister further said the government's goal is to provide more sports grounds, experienced coaches, and quality equipment to athletes and is working in this direction as well.

(editor@dailyworld.in)