K. ARUMUGAM

Chandigarh, August 18: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday felicitated the Punjab based Olympic bronze medal winning hockey players with a purse of Rs.1 crore each (USD 1,25,000). As many as 10 players of the Paris Olympic hockey team are from Punjab, including two reserves – Goalie Krishan Pathak and Jugraj Singh.

In his address, the Chief Minister said that it is a historic occasion as these sons of soil who have brought laurels for the state and country are being honored. He said that these players have brought immense pride and satisfaction for the entire country by this momentous win. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had personally watched every hockey match of the team and the spectacular performance by these players have made us all feel proud.

The Chief Minister said that it was elated to see the Indian team defeating Australia after a gap of 52 years adding that equally superb were the matches against Spain, England and others. He said that winning a medal by the team is like a dream come true for every countrymen and the best thing is that the team was led by Captain Harmanpreet, who steered the team to victory. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this leadership capability was outstanding and it led to the team bagging a bronze medal in the Paris Olympics.

The Chief Minister said that Harman scored 10 goals alone in the Olympics adding that he is elated that the state government is today felicitating these gems. He said that the entire country is today extending best wishes to these players and are overwhelmed over their feat. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Indian Hockey is on the path of revival adding that Punjab is mulling to hold a league tournament between four world class teams of Hockey in the month of November.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is working wholeheartedly for the promotion of sports and no stone will be left unturned for it. He said that the third edition of the Kheda Watan Punjab Dian will commence from August 28th, which will act as a catalyst to promote sports in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the state government will develop sports clusters like Football in Mahilpur area, Boxing in Sangrur, Hockey in Jalandhar, Athletes in Ludhiana and others to promote sports in the state.

The Chief Minister said that apart from giving cash prizes and jobs to the medal winner players, the state will also explore the feasibility of giving promotions in jobs already given to them. Donning a new role, Bhagwant Singh Mann also interviewed the players regarding their experiences in the field during the matches. During interaction with Harmanpreet, German and others, he lauded the amazing sports spirit exhibited by the players during the matches that ultimately led to the victory of the team.

The Chief Minister said that the entire country is indebted to all these players for restoring the pristine glory of the national game- Hockey. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the words fall short for describing the historic feat of the Indian Hockey team. He assured the team members that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause adding that these players will be made brand ambassadors for the state’s crusade against the menace of drugs.

On the occasion, Captain of Indian Hockey squad Harmanpreet Singh lauded the Chief Minister for providing congenial atmosphere for promotion of sports. He said that the felicitation by the Punjab government to medal winners will go a long way in further boosting sports in the state. Harmanpreet Singh said that it will further help in weaning away the youth of the state from the menace of drugs.

Indian Hockey player Mandeep Singh also thanked the Chief Minister for boosting sports in the state. He also promised the Chief Minister that next time the color of the medal will change in the Olympics. Mandeep Singh also envisioned that next time the number of players in Olympics contingent from state will also enhance considerably.

The Chief Minister disbursed Rs 1 crore each to eight Hockey Players and Rs 15 lakh each to 11 other participants of Olympic Games.