Government felicitates Asian Games medal winners with cash awards

While individual gold medal winners at the Asian Games 2018 were given away ₹40 lakh, the silver and bronze winners took home ₹20 and ₹10 lakh each

The government on Tuesday felicitated the medal winners of the 18th Asian Games with cash awards after the country registered its best-ever medal haul in the history of the continental mega sporting event.

India's Tajinderpal Singh Toor celebrates after receiving his gold medal for the men's shot put during the athletics competition. (PTI)

While individual gold medal winners were given away ₹40 lakh, the silver and bronze winners took home ₹20 and ₹10 lakh each.

India registered its best ever medal haul in the history of the Asian Games, fetching 69 medals which included 15 gold, 24 silver and 30 bronze.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore were present on the occasion, along with other Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Mahesh Sharma, Sports Srcretary Rahul Bhatnagar, IOA President Narinder Batra and SAI DG Neelam Kapur.

Rajnath congratulated all the medal winners and said it’‘s not far when India will soon emerge as a sporting superpower in the world.

“I’m thrilled with our athletes’ performance. I’m confident India will soon not only become economic superpower but also a sporting power,” he said.

“I congratulate all the medal winners and give my blessings to all of them.”

Rajnath was also full of praise for Sports Minister Rathore for his commitment and dedication towards developing sports in India.

“Rathore’s committment and compassion towards sports in incomparable. Every Indian would be proud of his dedication towards sports,” he said.