Harpal Singh Bedi / New Delhi
Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Sunday assured the government’s continued financial support to the promising sports-persons for the 2020 Olympics, 2022 Asian and Commonwealth Games.
“Yes now the focus has shifted to 2020 Tokyo Olympics but my ministry is also keeping watch on the medal prospects for 2022 Asian and Commonwealth Games”.
“ I am aware that there are a many talented sports persons who are potential medal prospects for the next Asian Games and Commonwealth Games,”the minister said .
Speaking at a felicitation ceremony organized by the Indian Olympic association (IOA) for the medal winners at the Asian Games, Rathore said “Earlier, the funding for these players used to be stopped.”
“However this will not happen now. It is a big challenge for me that the funding for the medal prospects for the next Asian Games, Commonwealth Games continues. I am trying my best, talking to corporate sector who are passionate about sports to raise funds,” he said.
Rathore himself a Olympic medal winner ,asserted that there will be no bureaucratic hindrances from his ministry. “Things will change, I’m not saying it will be fast but I can assure the speed of change will be the best as we can do.
“ You have already noticed the differences you will see many more differences ahead. Stay focussed on your sport.”
Meanwhile there were bloopers galore in the function which marred the sanctity of the function. The IOA had several names wrong on the cheques and even missed out on one.
Compound archers Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Abhishek Verma were among 15 athletes given just bouquets as their names were misprinted on cheques.while bronze medal winning wrestler Divya Kakran name was not mentioned at all
The IOA gave away Rs 3 lakh, Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively to the gold, silver and bronze medal winners in the team events. The individual winners received Rs 5 lakh, Rs 3 lakh and Rs 2 lakh respectively.
However IOA president Narinder Batra made no excuses and salvaged the situation saying“ I would like to apologise in advance for our mistake. The names of around 14-15 players have been printed incorrectly so we will give them a bouquet. But don’t worry, you will get your cash prizes. I didn’t want to give cheques with misspelt names,”
“There is always a first time. The players performed so well that we decided to award them with cash incentives. We will continue to give these cash awards in future be it the Olympics, Commonwealth Games or the Asian Games,” IOA secretary general Rajeev Mehta said.adding “The funds for these incentives will be provided by our sponsors,”