#AsianGames2018: Silver-medalist Dutee Chand awarded Rs. 1.5cr by Odisha govt
What's the story
Odisha government today announced a cash award of Rs. 1.5cr for sprinter Dutee Chand, a day after she clinched silver at women's 100m dash at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who congratulated Chand yesterday soon after she sprinted to glory, said that "it was a matter of pride" that an athlete from Odisha has brought laurels to the country.
Athletics Academy
Odisha will soon get an advanced Athletics Academy: CMO
The Odisha government plans to increase its focus on sporting events and activities in the coming days, considering the performance of its athletes in the recent times, the CMO statement said.
"To encourage athletes, the state had successfully organized the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships in 2017... Odisha will soon get an advanced Athletics Academy, a first-of-its-kind at the state level," it added.
Twitter Post
Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also congratulated Dutee Chand
Splendid performances by India’s daughters in athletics today. Heartiest Congratulations to @DuteeChand for bagging silver in the women’s 100m dash. The medal is even more special as this is the first medal in 100m race by an Indian female since 1986 at #AsianGames. pic.twitter.com/LYblfBLyyJ
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) August 26, 2018