Himachal CM Rewards Kabaddi Gold Medallists with Rs 1 Crore Each
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announces Rs 1 crore prize and Class-1 jobs for Himachali kabaddi stars Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur, and Bhavna Thakur.
In a massive boost for sports achievers in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a significant reward for the three Himachali stars of the Indian women's kabaddi team. Following their historic gold medal victory at the Asian Games, players Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur, and Bhavna Thakur will each receive at least Rs 1 crore from the state government.
The announcement comes after a direct meeting between the athletes and the Chief Minister, where the players voiced their concerns regarding the initial reward structure. The decision marks a historic enhancement in the state's sports policy, aimed at recognizing and incentivizing international sporting excellence.
Players' Concerns Addressed
Speaking to the media, Indian women's kabaddi team captain Pushpa Rana shared that the players had initially been offered a reward of Rs 33 lakh. However, after presenting their case to the Chief Minister, the amount was drastically increased to ensure the athletes are properly honored for their national contribution.
"Our main issue concerned the Rs 33 lakh amount being offered to us. Meeting the CM was a truly pleasant experience; he spoke to us very kindly, put us at ease while listening to our concerns, and immediately made a favourable decision, assuring us that we would receive Rs 1 crore," Rana stated.
Promises of Class-1 Government Jobs
Beyond the monetary reward, the athletes also sought long-term career security through Class-1 government jobs. The Chief Minister responded positively to this request, promising that the recruitment process would begin soon in accordance with established rules.
Chief Minister Sukhu outlined flexible employment options to ensure the athletes can continue their sporting journeys:
- Players may be appointed within the Police Department.
- Those preferring not to join the police will be offered roles in the Youth Services and Sports Department.
- The goal is to allow them to contribute to the development of sports in the state while maintaining their professional athletic careers.
A Moment of Pride for Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harsh Vardhan Chauhan expressed immense pride in the trio, noting that having three women from the state lead and represent the Indian team on the international stage is a monumental achievement. He emphasized that the daughters of Himachal are bringing glory to both the state and the nation.
The state government is expected to organize a formal felicitation ceremony shortly to officially present the prize money to the champions.
The gold medal win for the Indian women's kabaddi team was particularly hard-fought, as they defeated Iran with a score of 37-34 in a thrilling final to successfully defend their title. The Indian men's team also secured victory against Iran, winning 40-34.