Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann honoured the Punjabi players of the Indian hockey team, who won the bronze medal in the recently concluded Paris Olympics, with a cash reward of Rs 1 crore each.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that this is a historic occasion as the players who have brought laurels to the state and the country are being honoured. He said that this splendid victory of these hockey players is a matter of pride and satisfaction for the entire country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he has personally watched every match of the team and the splendid performance of these players has made us feel proud.
The Chief Minister said that it was a great pleasure to see the Indian team defeat Australia after a gap of 52 years, and the matches against Spain, England and other teams were also spectacular. He said that the team winning a medal is like a dream come true for every countryman and the best thing is that Captain Harmanpreet stepped forward and led the team, leading the team to victory. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the ability of this leadership was unmatched, due to which the team won the bronze medal in the Paris Olympics.
The Chief Minister said that Harmanpreet alone has scored 10 goals in the Olympics and he is happy that the state government is honoring these heroes today. He said that today the whole country is congratulating these players and appreciating their achievement. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Indian hockey is on the path of revival and Punjab is considering organizing a league tournament between four world-class hockey teams in the month of November.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government is working with full dedication to promote sports and no stone will be left unturned for this. He said that the third edition of ‘Kheda Watan Punjab Diyan’ will start from August 28, which will act as a catalyst to promote sports in the State. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the Punjab Government will develop football clusters in Mahilpur area, boxing in Sangrur, hockey in Jalandhar, athletics in Ludhiana and other sports to promote sports in the State.
The Chief Minister said that apart from cash rewards and jobs to the medal winning players, the state government will also explore the possibility of promotion in the jobs already given. Playing a special role, Bhagwant Singh Mann also questioned the players about their experiences on the field during the Olympic matches. During the interaction with Harmanpreet Singh, Germanpreet Singh and other players, the Chief Minister appreciated the great sportsmanship shown by the players during the matches, due to which the team achieved a splendid victory.
The Chief Minister said that the entire country is indebted to all these players for restoring the old glory of the national game hockey. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that words fall short to express the historic achievement of the Indian hockey team. He assured the team members that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause. He said that these players will be made brand ambassadors for the state’s campaign against drugs so that our youth can get inspiration.
On this occasion, Indian Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh praised the Chief Minister for providing a favorable environment to promote sports. He said that the honoring of medal winning players by the Punjab Government will prove helpful in promoting sports further in the state. Harmanpreet Singh said that this will also help in keeping the youth of the state away from the evil of drug addiction.
Indian hockey player Mandeep Singh also thanked the Chief Minister for promoting sports in the state. He also promised the Chief Minister that the colour of the medal in the Olympics will change next time. Mandeep Singh also expressed hope that the number of players from Punjab in the state’s Olympic team will also increase next time.
The Chief Minister gave cheques of Rs one crore each to eight hockey players and Rs 15 lakh each to 11 other players who participated in the Olympic Games.
