Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Jul 26:

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today announced a special incentive of Rs 60 lakh for the six Odia sportswomen who have qualified for participating in the forthcoming Rio Olympics to be held in August this year.

RIO DREAMS

Notably, athletes Srabani Nanda and Dutee Chand and four women hockey players Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz and Sunita Lakra from the state have qualified for participating in Rio Olympics.

“This is a matter of pride for Odisha and every Odia. In order to encourage them in this moment of glory, the state government has announced this special incentive amount. Each sportsperson will be provided with financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh. Keeping with the Chief Minister’s direction Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) will immediately release the amount to the sportspersons,” said an official release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office today.

The release stated: “The Chief Minister said this financial assistance will help the sportspersons in their preparations for the Olympics. The Chief Minister has expressed hope that Odia sportspersons will be highly successful in the Olympics and bring glory to state as well as the country.”

Similarly, the Chief Minister has directed the Sports department to enhance the incentive amount for sportspersons qualifying for Olympics from existing Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh for group and individual events respectively to Rs 5 lakh.