Cash awards announced for Asom medal winners

Guwahati, Jan 31 (UNI) Countdown began with eight days to go for 33rd National Games scheduled to start here from February 9.

Both the Asom Olympic Association (AOA) and the state government machinery were busy with the last minute finishing touches for smooth hosting of the multi-disciplinary event in the state.

Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has invited UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi at the opening ceremony and Prime Minister Manmohon Singh at the closing ceremony of the mega event to be held for the first time in the state.

Organising committee sources said host Asom team with 861 participants will be the largest contingent and hope for maximum medals.

The state government has decided to provide 40 ambulances including some hi-tech ones to provide round the clock service in major venues for any eventuality.

Meanwhile, in a bid to encourage hosts athletes to get maximum medals in the mega event, Managing Director of Garima Construction Asok Kumar Jhuria, at a press conference here last night, anounced cash awards for home team medallists.

He announced that cash awards of Rs 51,000 for Gold medallist, Rs 21,000 for Silver medallist and Rs 10,000 for Bronze medallist with mementos would be given to home team athletes.

In the event of a wining team, prize money will go to the team and all the members will be given mementos, Director of the organization Vijay Patir clarified.

The company will set up a sports academy in the state, he added.

UNI