K'taka Govt rewards to Beijing-bound sportspersons

Bangalore, Jul 30 (UNI) The Karnataka Government has given Rs five lakh to each of the seven sportspersons from the State representing the country in the Beijing Olympics.

In a written reply to Mr K B Munivenkata Reddy (Cong), Minister for Sports and Youth Services Gullihatti D Shekar said the amount was distributed at a recent function to Anup Sridhar (Badminton), Rehan Poncha (Swimming), Vikas Gowda, Poovamma, J J Shobha, Pramila Ayyappa (Athletics) and Mahesh Bhupati (Tennis).

A sum of Rs one lakh was given to each of the coaches of the players.

Mr Reddy said the government was committed to give necessary encouragement to the sportspersons.

UNI MSP RS RAR AS1643