Tokyo Olympics: Odisha Announces Big Cash Reward For Gold Medal Winners

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced huge cash reward for the athletes from the state, who would be able to bag medals in the Olympic Games in Tokyo starting July 23. While the state government will provide Rs 6 crore to those winning gold, Rs 4 crore for silver and Rs 2.5 crore for bronze. Patnaik made this announcement during a virtual interaction with the athletes from the state who have qualified for the games. All the athletes from the State will be given Rs 15 lakh each to have qualified for the Olympics. Patnaik interacted with sprinter Dutee Chand, para shuttler Pramod Bhagat along with international hockey players Birendra Lakra, Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo and Amit Rohidas. Sprinter Dutee Chand has qualified for the Tokyo Games in the 100m and 200m events, while para shuttler Pramod Bhagat will be representing the country in the Paralympics. Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas are part of the 16-member Indian men's hockey contingent, while Deep Grace Ekka is in the 16-member Indian women's hockey squad.