Punjab CM Honours Indian Hockey Players with ₹1 Cr Each for Paris Olympics Victory

Punjab CM Honours Indian Hockey Players with ₹1 Cr Each for Paris Olympics Victory

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday awarded cash prizes of ₹1 crore each to eight hockey players from the state who were part of India’s bronze medal-winning team at the Paris Olympics. The felicitation event, held in Chandigarh, celebrated the players’ outstanding performance and their contribution to reviving India’s glory in the sport.

Addressing the gathering, CM Mann emphasized that these players have brought immense pride to the state and the nation. He praised their spectacular win, especially India’s victory over Australia after 52 years, and recognized the team’s efforts against other strong competitors like Spain and England. The Chief Minister noted that this achievement is a dream come true for the entire country and highlighted Captain Harmanpreet Singh’s leadership in steering the team to victory.

CM Mann expressed optimism about the resurgence of Indian hockey, stating that Punjab is planning to host a league tournament featuring four world-class teams in November. Additionally, he reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting sports through initiatives such as the “Kheda Watan Punjab Dian,” which will commence on August 28th, and the development of specialized sports clusters across the state, including hockey in Jalandhar and boxing in Sangrur.

As part of the state’s anti-drug campaign, the Chief Minister announced that these hockey players would be made brand ambassadors to inspire the youth and help combat drug abuse in Punjab. He emphasized that alongside cash prizes and job opportunities for medal winners, the government would also explore promotions for athletes already employed in government jobs.

The event took a personal turn as CM Mann donned a new role by interviewing the players about their experiences on the field. Captain Harmanpreet Singh and other team members shared their insights and lauded the Punjab government’s efforts to foster a supportive environment for sports. Harmanpreet expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted how such encouragement can further boost sports development in the state.

Indian hockey player Mandeep Singh echoed these sentiments, thanking the Chief Minister for his support. He confidently promised that in future Olympics, the color of the medal will change, hinting at a potential gold for India. He also expressed hope that the number of players representing Punjab in future Olympic contingents would increase.

During the event, CM Mann also disbursed ₹15 lakh each to 11 other participants from Punjab who competed in the Paris Olympics. This gesture reflects the government’s dedication to nurturing sports talent in the state and ensuring that athletes receive the recognition they deserve.

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