Every Indian fan celebrates its third highest medal haul at the 21st annual of Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Indian athletes from the country’s most populous state Uttar Pradesh could contribute only five medals including two ever-green gold, one shinning silver and two bronze. Vijay Singh Chauhan, said special talent hunt in the rural areas of the state should be carried out. “Sports and sports persons should be encouraged in rural areas. Most of the games are based on strength and power. Even a small ground in every gram panchayat is sufficient for the development of sports in villages,” he said.
Neeru Kapoor, the Former deputy director also hailed the achievements of UP athletes at the 21st annual Gold Coast Games and said more athletes from the state should have participated in the event. “The overall performance of UP athletes is encouraging but in terms of population, our contribution of medals is quite small. We should find ways to raise the medals tally at Commonwealth Games after four years in 2022,” he said.
The total price amount of Rs 1.80 crore will be distributed by the state government among all 11 UP athletes. Both Punam and Jitu will be given Rs 50 lakh each as per the government policy. While, bronze awards will be given Rs 30 lakh. The two bronze medallists will get Rs 15 lakh each while all seven other participants will receive Rs 5 lakh each as participation allowance. Meerut’s Ravi Kumar, who had won bronze at the 2014 Asian Games in 10m air rifle before winning a bronze at the Gold Coast Games, said he would try to change the color of his medal in the Asian Games.
