Prize money of All India tourneys likely to be increased

Wajiha Shah

Participation in All India tourneys organised by the state sports department could soon be a lot more encouraging. The sports directorate has sent a proposal for increasing the prize money of such tourneys.

Talking to The Indian Express, AK Banoda who is discharging the duties and liabilities of Director Sports (UP), informed, “The proposal for doubling of the prize money has been sent and the increase in prize money is likely to take place soon. Presently, the winner of an All India meet becomes richer by Rs 1 lakh but after the increase,they will be getting Rs 2 lakh. The runners-up will be getting Rs 1 lakh while the third positioners will be getting Rs 50,000.”

Talking about the tournaments which will benefit if the prize money is increased, Banoda said, “The prize money of tournaments like the All India KD Singh ‘Babu’ Hockey Tournament, the All India women’’s invitational prize money hockey, the Indira Marathon and the All India Volleyball Tournament will be increased.”

He felt that an increase in prize money would make these tournaments more competitive and the best teams of the country would be encouraged to take part in them.

New synthetic turf

The Dhyanchand stadium of GGS Sports College which has hosted prestigious hockey tournaments in the past is getting a new synthetic turf. Principal GGS Sports College, Lucknow AK Banoda informed that the process of laying synthetic turf at the hockey stadium would begin in another five days. “The construction work of the flood-lit lawn tennis courts at the College has also been completed. A guest house having 24 rooms with good facilities is also ready. It will serve the purpose of a comfortable stay for the teams during important tourneys,” he said.