Haryana government to reward 22 Commonwealth Games medallists on August 15

Nearly four months after 22 athletes from the state of Haryana had won a medal at the Commonwealth Games in April, the Haryana government has decided to reward them with prize money at a “district-level state Independence Day functions” on August 15.

The function which is slated to be held at the district headquarters will see the government hand out cash prizes to those 22 athletes that include gold medal winners Bajranj Punia (Wrestling), Vinesh Pohgat (Wrestling), Anish Bhanwala (Shooter) and Neeraj Chopra (Javelin throw).

“All medal winners and participating players will be honoured in various state functions in district headquarters on August 15. The medal winners need to submit the forms as per the procedure through their respective federations with the District Sports Officers. Pending cases will be awarded in next function,” said Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Anil Vij to the Indian Express.

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The sports department of the state has also reportedly communicated the announcement to all the District Commissioners and will also hold a video conference with the DCs and District Sports Ministers on Friday.

Earlier, the cash prize distribution ceremony was cancelled on April 26 in Panchkula after many athletes had called for a boycott of the function as a protest over the reduction of prize money for players who represented the national organisations and services.

“For a player, getting the award from Governor or Chief Minister is a different feeling. We represented our country and did the country proud. We can only expect such things don’t happen in the future. Nobody in our family has yet been told by the government about the cash award function. Some players will not be able to attend the district-level functions too as they will be going to the Asian Games, which start on August 17. We hope that Asian Games medal winners are honoured without any delay,” said wrestler Babita Phogat to the Indian Express.