Bhubaneswar: Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik felicitated Monday all the medal-winning Indian athletes of the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships which concluded here Sunday.
The gold medal-winners were presented cheques of rupees 10 lakh, the silver medalists Rs 7,50,000 and the bronze medallists Rs 5,00,000. India finished with 12 gold, five silver and 12 bronze medals in the competition to top the medal tally.
Speaking during the programme, Patnaik said, “My heartiest congratulations to all the medal-winners, the entire Indian contingent, the officials of the Athletics’ Federation of India and everyone associated with athletics in the country on this proud achievement.”
Patnaik also added, “It was a historic moment for Orissa as the Indian contingent grabbed record 29 medals. The state athletes also performed very well. The AAC-2017 gave us an opportunity to prove ourselves as a unit. The successful hosting of the event has shown the world that we can host bigger events like the Commonwealth and Asian Games.”
Meanwhile, AFI secretary CK Valsan warned the athletes, especially the medalists not to be complacent. “Your job hasn’t finished yet. You have bagged medals, doesn’t mean you will relax. Everyone must take part in the forthcoming National Inter-State Athletics meet to prove their fitness and mettle for the World Championships,” Valsan said.
Everyone among the guests, including Anju Bobby George, Anuradha Biswal and Shiny Wilson, praised the athletes while AFI president Adille Sumariwalla and sports director Vishal Dev heaped praise on the Orissa government and the sports department for successfully hosting the event.
“I am delighted to be felicitated by the Chief Minister. The cash prize I received today (Monday) will help me in many ways. I’ll never forget Kalinga Stadium which gave me a gold medal,” said javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who won a gold medal.
Equally happy was G Lakshsmanan, who won two gold medals in 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres. “The prize amount is very good. The crowd at Kalinga Stadium was superb. I’ll never forget their contribution in cheering the Indian team members,” Laxman said.
However, he was quick to point out that winning a medal in the upcoming London Worlds for which he has qualified would be difficult. “The standard there is much higher. My main aim will be to try and finish within the top eight,” Lakshmanan added.