post news network
Bhubaneswar, July 12: The state government Tuesday announced a cash prize of Rs 50,000 each for four girls from the state who were selected in the Indian women’s hockey team for the Rio Olympics next month.
Deep Grace Ekka, Namita Toppo, Lilima Minz and Sunita Lakra will represent the national women’s team. “The state government has decided to give `50,000 each to the four girls,” an elated sports and youth service minister Sudam Marndi told the media here.
Stating that it was a matter of pride for the state that its four girls will be part of the Indian Olympic team, Marndi said earlier Srabani Nanda and Dutee Chand have got tickets for the Olympics.
Congratulating defender Deep Grace Ekka, midfilder Namita Toppo, forwards Lilima Minz and Sunita Lakra, Orissa Cricket Association secretary Asirbad Behera declared `25,000 cash award each.
Rabindra Kumar Parida, general secretary of Orissa Olympic Association declared `10,000 each for them.
Former India hockey captain Dilip Tirkey said the Indian women’s hockey team qualified for Olympics after 36 years. “We are proud that four Oriya girls have got berth in Indian women’s hockey team which will participate in the Olympics,” Tirkey, who is also an MP, said.
