BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday virtually spoke to the Tokyo-bound athletes from the state and wished them best for the mega event.
Naveen also announced prize money of Rs 6 crore for winning gold, Rs 4 crore for silver and Rs 2.5 crore for winning bronze in the Tokyo Olympics.
Each of the individual participants to receive assistance of Rs 15 lakh from the state government.
While sprinter Dutee Chand selected for the Tokyo games in 100m and 200m events via her world rankings, Deep Grace Ekka has been included in the 16-member squad of the Indian women’s hockey team for Tokyo Olympics.
Similarly, Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas have secured Tokyo Olympics berths as they are part of the 16-member Indian men’s hockey team. Para shuttler Pramod Bhagat has also qualified for the Tokyo games.
The chief minister hailed the Tokyo-bound athletes as role models for the youth mass. Naveen said he is confident that athletes from Odisha would win medals in Tokyo.
