Other states should follow Haryana model: Saina Nehwal

Lavishing praises on Haryana government for their unending support to international sportspersons, Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal, said India can win at least 25 medals in next Olympics if other states start pulling in similar fashion.

Lavishing praises on Haryana government for their unending support to international sportspersons, Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal, said India can win at least 25 medals in next Olympics if other states start pulling in similar fashion.

"Haryana government had provided its athletes with all facilities for preparing for the London games. If other states can follow Haryana's footsteps, I think we can win 25 to 30 medals at Rio in 2016," Saina said in a function organised by state government to honour its Olympians.

The state government had announced Rs 2.5 crore each for gold medal winner, Rs 1.5 crore for silver and Rs 1 crore for bronze medal winner at the London Games.

"It feels great to be honoured in front of my own people. I would like to thank the state government for this." a jubiliant Yogeshwar said.

Real estate Company DLF Ltd presented cars to all 19 athletes from the state.

London medal winners - Saina Nehwal, Yogeshwar Dutt, Sushil Kumar and Gagan Narang received a swanky Audi Q5 car each from the company, while the rest were given Maruti SX4 by the vice-chairman Rajiv Singh.

Over 10,000 people were present at the function.