Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav flagged off a cycle expedition of retired Naval soldier Harishankar Yadav, who will inspire the youth to participate in games and represent India in Olympics.
“It is a noble cause and the state government supports his cycle expedition. India is a big country but we do not have enough players who can bag Olympic medals for us. The youth need a spark and this cyclist could be the ideal spark for them,” Yadav said after flagging off the expedition at his official residence in lucknow on Monday.
Harishankar Yadav of Azamgarh, has so far completed 4000 km of expedition and will cover the distance between lucknow and Delhi in the next three days.
“My government honours sportspersons and will provide them all possible facilities. Awards have been announced for national awardees. We have decided to give an Olympic gold winner Rs 6 crore, silver award winner Rs 4 crore and bronze medalist Rs 3 crore,” Yadav said.