Bhubaneshwar, On tuesday, the State Government announced a special cash award of Rs 10 lakh each for all six Rio-bound girls from Odisha.
According to the official sources, Sprinter Dutee Chand and Srabani Nanda, who will represent India in 100-metre and 200-metre women's events respectively, and four hockey players Lilima Minz, Deep Grace Ekka, Sunita Lakra and Namita Toppo would receive the special cash awards.
State-owned Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) has been directed by the Chief minister Naveen Patnaik to transfer the amount into the sportspersons accounts.
An official statement from chief minister's office said, "The special cash award will help them prepare better for the Games. I wish all six players the best and may they return with flying colours".
It has been also announced by the state government for five-fold increment of the cash award for Olympians participating in individual events, which is Rs 1 lakh.
The reward for Olympians participating in team events has also been doubled from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh.