The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday announced to honour Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik who won a bronze at the Rio Olympic Games with the prestigious Rani Laxmi Bai Award.
Ms. Malik (23), who hails from Rohtak in Haryana, became only the fourth woman athlete from India to win an Olympic medal after she clinched a bronze in the 58-kg category.
Congratulating her, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said she had made the nation proud, as he decided to honour her with the Rani Laxmi Bai Award, meant to signify bravery and outstanding achievement of women.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh. The Samajwadi Party government is deeply involved in the promotion of sports and has constantly provided various kinds of facilities to sportspersons, Mr. Yadav said, at a Raksha Bandhan function at his official residence here.
Girls and women from different communities tied rakhi to him on the occasion.
