NEW DELHI, Oct 15 (PTI): After an impressive show at the recent Commonwealth Games, it was time for cash awards and a pat on the back from Defence Minister A K Antony for the Armed Forces sportsmen.
Antony announced cash awards of Rs 12 lakh each for winner of a gold medal, Rs seven lakh each for silver medal and Rs five lakh for those who brought in a bronze medal. He felicitated services medal winners who won a total of 10 Gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze medals in the 19th Commonwealth Games that concluded here yesterday.
The decision to substantially increase the cash award purse was taken at the venue by Antony after a quick word with Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju, Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar and the Services Chiefs who were present for the felicitation ceremony.
According to the earlier plans, a gold medallist was to receive Rs five lakh, a silver medallist Rs 3.5 lakh and a bronze medal winner Rs two lakh.
