The Odisha government today announced a cash award of Rs 1.5 crore for sprinter Dutee Chand, a day after she clinched silver at women's 100 metre dash at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who congratulated Chand yesterday soon after she sprinted to glory, said "it was a matter of pride" that an athlete from Odisha has brought laurels to the country.
"In recognition of her grit and determination, the chief minister has announced a cash award of Rs 1.5 crore to Dutee Chand," a statement issued by Patnaik's office said.
In 1998 Asian Games, Odia athlete Rachita Panda Mistri had won a bronze medal.
The CMO statement also said that the 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.
"To encourage athletes, the state had successfully organised the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships in 2017 in partnership with International Association of Athletics Federation and Athletics Federation of India. Odisha will soon get an advanced Athletics Academy, a first-of-its-kind at state level," it added.
A host of other distinguished persons in the state, including Union Petrolem Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, have also congratulated Dutee Chand for her achievement.
"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," Pradhan tweeted.
Basant Panda, the state unit president of the BJP, and legislature party leader K V Singhdeo also extended their wishes to the star sprinter for her silver streak at the Asian Games.
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