Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal felicitated Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Ravi Dahiya by presenting him ‘Samman Rashi’ of Rs 2 crore and also appointed the grappler as the new assistant director in the Sports Department. The felicitation took place at a ceremony, organized by the Directorate of Education and Sport.
In the ceremony, the Delhi government honoured and sportspersons from Delhi who participated in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Apart from Dahiya, Kejriwal also felicitated honoured bronze medallist Paralympian Sharad Kumar and athletes Simran, Sarthak Bhambri, Amod Jacob and Kashish Lakra for representing India in the Olympics and Paralympic Games.
“Today is an extremely joyous day for us, for we are honouring six of our country’s heroes. We always say that the two crore people of Delhi are like family to us. And when a child in our family excels in something, the entire family feels elated and proud,” a statement from Kejriwal highlighted.
“Similarly, these six children of our family have made the country proud at national and international levels. This ceremony is merely a medium to thank our brilliant athletes for their extraordinary achievements and for bringing name to our nation,” the Delhi Chief Minister added.
While Ravi Dahiya handed a 2 crore cash prize, Sharad Kumar received a prize of 1 crore from the Delhi Government. Dahiya won the silver medal in wrestling at the Tokyo Olympics whereas Sharad clinched Bronze in the high jump at the Paralympics.
Kashish Lakra and Simra also received cash prizes of 10 lakh each whereas Sarthak Bhambri and Amod Jacob received prizes of five lakh each.
Kejriwal highlighted how the main aim of his party is to promote sports and well being of people. He pointed out his ‘Play and Progress scheme’ and Mission Excellence scheme as they look to promote sports in India’s capital.
The Play and Progress scheme helps sportspersons financial assistance up to 3 lakh given to mainly school level sportspersons. In the Mission Excellence scheme, they issue financial assistance of 16 lakhs for exceptional athletes for performing well at the international level.
Kejriwal is also looking to improve the sports infrastructure in Delhi. he highlighted how great football grounds are being constructed along with great sporting complexes providing sportspersons with world-class facilities to hone their skills.
