Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan gave away Rs 1 crore to each of the silver medalists of london Olympics 2012 and Rs 50 lakh each to the bronze medalists at a grand function held at TT Nagar Stadium here today.
On the occasion, he said that paucity of funds would not be allowed to come in the way of sports and welfare of sportspersons. Sports budget has been increased to Rs 150 crore and if needed, it would be raised to Rs 300 crore. Chouhan said that government jobs would be provided to outstanding players.
Citing Swami Vivekananda, he said that nothing was impossible and that sportspersons needed to work dedication and play with the spirit of excelling in the game. He said that 'Mission Olympic 2020' would hone the skills of sportspersons and enable them to win medals in the Olympics.
Olympic silver medalist Sushil Kumar said he was overwhelmed at the honour given to him in the State.
He said there were all modern facilities for sporting activities at the TT Nagar Stadium. lauding 'Mission Olympic 2020' scheme, Kumar said this would benefit new generation of sportspersons.
Shooting silver medalist Vijay Kumar said that Madhya Pradesh had taken the initiative by felicitating the players. He said his shooting career had started from Madhya Pradesh. Olympic bronze medalist in shooting, Gagan Narang said that construction of large number of stadiums in the State showed that better sports facilities were being provided to sportspersons in the State. He urged parents to introduce their children to sporting activities and motivate them to choose sports as a career. Olympic bronze medalist in wrestling, Yogeshwar Dutta said that in view of facilties being extended to sportspersons in the State, it was expected that players from the State would bring laurels to the country in future.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Chouhan unveiled "Mission Olympic 2020" scheme. Under the scheme, skills of sportspersons will be honed from 9 years of age and they would be imparted high-level training to prepare them for Olympics.
Minister of State for Sports Brijendra Pratap Singh said that Union Sports Ministry had also lauded the State's sports policy and schemes to promote sportspersons. Sports academies have been set up in the State and 'Talent Hunt' is being organised to identify talent in the rural areas. He said the State was the first in the country to spend Rs 15 lakh each on training of sportspersons in the sports academies.
Mother of Gagan Narang was the chief guest on the occasion.
Director, Sports & Youth Welfare, Shailendra Shrivastava delivered the welcome address. Madhya Pradesh Olympic Federation president Ramesh Mendola and MlA Deepak Joshi were specially present on the occasion. The Chief Minister unveiled a 14-minute film, 'Ham Chhuenge Aasman', shot by the Sports and Youth Welfare department.
Olympic bronze medalists MC Mericom (boxing) and Saina Nehwal received Rs. 50 lakh each. Both the sportspersons were not present at the function due to personal reasons.