leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly Sunil Jakhar on Thursday demanded matching rewards, at par with neighbouring Haryana, for Commonwealth Games medal winners hailing from Punjab.
The Congress legislative Party (ClP) leader also urged the State Government to adopt “balanced approach” towards other sports too, besides kabaddi.
Congratulating the winners of CWG, Jakhar said that it is really heartening to see young boys and girls prove their mark in international sporting events and be a source of inspiration for millions of young aspiring sportspersons.
“I especially congratulate the young boys and girls from Punjab for winning medals in CWG and it is the responsibility of Punjab government to acknowledge their achievements with large heart and open arms,” said Jakhar.
He pointed that the medal winners from Punjab be rewarded “at least at par with the players of neighbouring State Haryana who have announced cash award of Rsone crore for Gold medalist, Rs50 lakh for silver medalist and Rs25 lakh for bronze medalist”.
Strongly urging the Punjab government to follow Haryana, Jakhar asked the government to announce matching cash awards for winners belonging to Punjab, as it will not only be our humble recognition of their toil and talent, but will also inspire other young boys to serious take up sports and make career out of it.
He said that Punjab Government has been promoting kabbadi, “and it is now time to have balanced approach towards other sports too”.
“We need young boys and girl to display their talent in each sport for which they have potential and taste. The sporting infrastructure in Punjab lacks international standards and there is also lack of quality coaches. These issues too need targeted approach only then we can expect our sportspersons to shine in international arena,” said Jakhar.
Urging CM Parkash Singh Badal to announce cash awards and organise a State-level function to facilitate winners of 20th CWG held at Glasgow, Jakhar said that sportspersons achieving international feats despite odds need special recognition.