Punjab CM releases ₹5 lakh for treatment of athlete Hakam Singh

CM has directed the Barnala district administration to ensure all necessary assistance for the Dhyan Chand Awardee.

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday ordered release of ₹5 lakh for the treatment of ailing Asiad gold medal winner athlete Hakam Singh.

CM had earlier tweeted his concern and asked the deputy commissioner to visit the 1978 Bangkok Asiad medallist. (HT Photo)

The CM, who had earlier tweeted his concern and asked the deputy commissioner to visit the 1978 Bangkok Asiad medallist, has directed the Barnala district administration to ensure all necessary assistance for the Dhyan Chand Awardee, who is undergoing treatment for liver and kidney ailments at hospital.

The former athlete, who had served as havaldar in the 6 Sikh regiment, was conferred the Dhyan Chand Award in 2008. He had a near fatal accident which forced him to hang his boots in 1981, marking an abrupt end to an illustrious sporting career.

Amarinder also reiterated his government’s commitment to the welfare of former sportspersons in the state, assuring all monetary help to ensure that they lead a respectable life after retirement from active sports.