London Olympics silver medallist shooter Vijay Kumar from Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh was conferred the ‘Himachal Gaurav Samman’ and also a cash prize of Rs. one crore by the State government.
The ‘Himachal Gaurav Samman’ was conferred on Vijay at the Independence Day function at Kullu by Chief Minister P.K. Dhumal, who also presented the cash award for his achievement, and bringing laurels to the country.
At Imphal, the Manipur government has increased the cash reward of London Olympics bronze-winning boxer Mary Kom from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 75 lakh, besides promoting her to the rank of Superintendent of Police (Sports).
The decision to enhance Mary Kom’s reward was taken at a cabinet meeting, on Tuesday night, presided over by Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh, said official spokesperson Sumant Singh.
Rewards for others
The other sportspersons from Manipur, who took part in the London Olympics — L. Devendro Singh (boxing), L. Bombayla Devi (archery) and Ng Soniya Chanu (weightlifting) — would also be given Rs. 20 lakh each and also suitable government jobs according to their qualifications, he said.
The government has already approved the allotment of two acres of land at Langol area for Mary Kom, who has established an institute called ‘Mary Kom Boxing Academy.’
Published - August 16, 2012 12:22 am IST
