The Hindu : Sport : Reward for Natl. Games medallists

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 13, 2007
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Reward for Natl. Games medallists

BANGALORE: Rehan Poncha and Shikha Tandon, the brightest stars in the State swimming scenario, walked away with the richest purse for men and women respectively as the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Government of Karnataka, honoured and rewarded the medal winners of the 32nd Hyderabad and 33rd Guwahati National Games here on Thursday.

While Poncha was richer by Rs. 3,61,000 for his exploits in the two events, Shikha took home Rs. 2,66,000.

Medal winners in all disciplines were presented with a cheque and a salutary rose. Poonam Bojanna and Harish Kushalappa (athletics), Jose George (badminton), Gangu Birajdar (cycling), Sudharani (fencing), Saji Thomas (kayaking), Mohammed Irfan (taekwondo), S.G. Maribashetti (equestrian) were amongst the others who won cash awards.

Earlier, Chitra Magimairaj, two-time World ladies billiards champion, was felicitated by the State Sports and Youth Services Minister, Allkod Hanumanthappa, with a shawl, sandalwood garland and a memento.

In her thanksgiving speech, Chitra thanked the Department for providing financial support for her trip to Cambridge and requested the Government to show no discrimination or discrepancy among sportspersons.

"Many sportspersons are leaving the State to represent other States and units due to the lack of promptness from the Karnataka Government in honouring the performers and this could drain out all the `big names' if corrective measures are not taken immediately," Chitra said. — Principal Correspondent

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