A day after Odisha-born top Indian sprinter Dutee Chand bagged silver medal in the women’s 100m final at the 18th Asian Games, the State Government on Monday announced a cash reward of Rs 1.5 crore for her.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the prize for Dutee. “In recognition of her grit, determination and hard work, the CM has announced the cash award to Dutee Chand,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a statement.
However, Dutee said, “I am thankful to the Chief Minister but not content with Rs 1.5 crore. Medal winners from other States are being offered more cash award by their respective State Governments. I would be happy if given a plot or house in Bhubaneswar.”
The Odisha Athletic Association has also declared a Rs-50,000 cash award to Dutee.
The ace runner on Sunday sealed second spot in the women’s 100m event at the Asian Games in Jakarta by finishing the race in 11.32 seconds. She missed the gold medal by a mere 0.02 second.
The gold medal went to Edidiong Odiong of Bahrain, who clocked 11.30 seconds while China’s Yongli Wei took the bronze, clocking 11.33 seconds.
Meanwhile, sports lovers have set their hopes high for another medal from Dutee as she will compete in the women’s 200m event, qualification and semifinal rounds of which are scheduled to be held on Tuesday.