Dispur/Kolkata, Jan 28 (IANS)
Medal winners from Assam for the upcoming National Games in Kerala will get higher incentives this year, the state's chief minister Tarun Gogoi said Wednesday.
"Players winning gold, silver and bronze medals at the upcoming 35th National Games in Kerala would be given cash incentives of Rs.5 lakh, Rs.3 lakh and Rs.2 lakh respectively. Earlier, it was Rs.3 lakh, Rs.2 lakh and Rs.1 lakh respectively," a statement from the Chief Minister's Office said. Around 270 players and officials from Assam will participate in 15 different disciplines at the 35th National Games beginning January 31.
Gogoi, who is the president of Assam Olympic Association (AOA), assured full support to the athletes. AOA general secretary Rakibul Hussain said with the intensive preparations Assam is expecting around 40-50 medals that include 10 to 12 gold medals.
The chief minister has sanctioned travel and training allowance of Rs.600 a day for a period of 10 days to the players in this endeavour.
The AOA has also decided to give Rs.1 lakh to the gold medal winners from the state.