Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan honoured excellent sportspersons with prestigious “Shikhar Khel Alankaran 2016” samman at a grand programme here on Thursday. Chouhan honoured the badminton player PV Sindhu who has won a silver medal at Rio Olympics with `50 lakh on behalf of the State Government. Vijaya mother of Sindhu and Coach Pullela Gopichand were especially present on the occasion.
It may be mentioned that announcement was made by the Chief Minister Chouhan to honour Sindhu for winning silver medal with `50 lakh. Chouhan said that Sidhu is a pride of the country. She has brought laurel to the country. He further said that Sakshi malik will also be honoured. Moreover, sportspersons of Madhya Pradesh will also be honoured who had participated in the Olympics. He reiterated the pledge to send more and more sportspersons from the state in the next Olympics.
Chouhan honoured the famous hockey coach Paramjeet Singh with life Time Achievement award. He honoured the coach of soft ball Sudesh Sangte and Taekwondo coach Virendra Pawar with Vishwamitra award.
He mentioned that the state government will provide best facilities to all the players. He said that it is now clear from the Rio Olympics that daughters of India can do wonder. Chouhan said that sportspersons of the state have talent, ability and devotion, they can perform marvel if they get the facilities.
Moreover, Chouhan said that a sport is necessary along with studies. Politics should have sportsmanship spirit too. The committed sportspersons who are deeply involved in the sports should be accommodated in sports management. Chouhan urged the sportspersons to administer pledge for excellent performance. He hoped that India will display excellently well in the next Olympics and Madhya Pradesh will contribute in it.
Chouhan presented appointment letter for government jobs to Kayaking player Anjali Vashishth, softball player Riha David, Karate player Ajay Yadav, Wushu player Ankita Raikwar and softball player Savita. Sindhu expressed gratitude towards all for support during Rio Olympics. She mentioned that it was not possible without the support and guidance of the coach.
Giving credit for progress and achievements in sports to the Chief Minister, Minister for Sports Yashodhara Raje Scindia said that it was not possible without 100 percent increase in the sports budget. She further said that the sports department was a small department in 2006 with a budget of `4 crore only. The budget has been increased by 100 per cent. There is a enthusiasm and delight among the sportspersons of the sports academies. She mentioned that cooperation of parents and the coach is the key to success.
Director Sports Upendra Jain in his welcome speech said that Madhya Pradesh is becoming leader constantly in the field of sports. Madhya Pradesh’s sports strategy to promote sports is being studied by other States.
Furthermore, Mount Everest climber Mountaineer Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha and Ratnesh Pandey were honoured with `1 lakh each on the occasion.
The Chief Minister honoured Eklavya award recipients Mohik Gajdhar ( Soft Tennis), Chinki Yadav (Shooting), Neha Rajput (Wushu), Atul Mishra (Kayaking-Canoeing), Ani Jain (Swimming), Arunima Shrivastava (Fencing), Paridhi Joshi (Equestrian), Satyam Sharma (Karate), Anand Thakur (Sailing), Mayank Patel (Cycling), Rahul Batham (Cricket), Divya Thepe ( Hockey), Sonal Bisht (Softball), Soumya Agarwal (Jump Rope) and Vikram awards recipients Namita Chandel (Kayaking-Canoeing), Poorvi Soni (Wushu), Shalini Sankath (Shooting), Rishabh Mehta (Equestrian), Shravya Dronadula (Taekwondo), Sameer Verma (Badminton), Neeti Singh ( Kabaddi), Ankit Chintaman ( Kho-Kho), Kamal Kushwaha (Throw Ball) and handicapped Ravi Kumar Surariya (Cycling) were honoured with Shikhar Khel Samman.
Chouhan released a book titling “In Pursuit of Excellence” highlighting Madhya Pradesh’s achievements and progress in sports on the occasion.