DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Paris Olympics Bronze medal winners two PCS officers Hardik Singh and Gurjant Singh on Monday met Punjab Chief Secretary Anurag Verma. On this occasion, two more PCS officers Hockey players Rupinder Pal Singh and Simranjit Singh, who won bronze medal in Tokyo Olympic Games, were also present.

Chief Secretary Mr. Verma congratulated the hockey players and said that the entire country is proud of the Indian Hockey team that won two consecutive medals in the Olympic Games after 52 years. He said that it is a matter of pride for Punjab that 10 players, including the Captain and Vice Captain, were from Punjab in the 19 member Indian Hockey team.

Mr. Verma said that State Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Maan is giving special attention to sports and sportspersons. As part of this, Rs. 15 lakh was given to each player by the state government for the preparation regarding the Olympic Games. Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann honoured 8 Bronze medal winners with prizes worth Rs. 1 Cr each and 11 participating players with prizes worth Rs. 15 lakh each.

Both the hockey players shared their experiences of the Paris Olympics with the Chief Secretary. Chief Secretary Mr. Verma said that throughout the Olympics, India had shown excellent team play in Hockey and had set an example by winning the Quarter Final against Great Britain with 10 players.

During the conversation, Mr Verma also ideated with the players to further promote Hockey in the state.
(editor@dailyworld.in)