Imphal, March 11: Acknowledging the superb performance of the State sportspersons in the just concluded 33rd National Games held at Assam, the State Government has decided to hike the incentives of the medal winners.

Accordingly, the cash prize for gold medal winners in individual events has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh, silver from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 and bronze from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000.Cash prize for National Games record setters have also been hiked from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.5 lakhs.

In team events, the cash prize for gold medal has been raised from Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000 and silver from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.The cash incentive to all participants has also been raised from Rs 2000 to Rs 4000.The incentives to the National Games medal winners as well as awards to achievers for the years 1999, 2000 and 2001 will be distributed on March 14 at Khuman Lampak Sports complex by the Chief Minister.

Meanwhile Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh today said that the State Government has earmarked Rs 5 crores to train and get the latest equipment for sportspersons.

Speaking at a reception function hosted for the sportspersons who took part at the recently held National Games, the Chief Secretary said that there is the pressing need to improve infrastructure all over the State.

Infrastructure needs to be improved at all the districts so that talents can be tapped from over the State, he added.

The reception function was sponsored by MLA S Keba, elected from Patsoi Assembly Constituency and organised by the Youth Front, Patsoi Assembly Constituency at Tera bazar today.

Trying to boost the morale of the sportspersons, the Chief Secretary further said that plans are on to buy two hi-tech bicycles for cyclists to train with funds from the Manipur Police Housing Corporation.

The two cycles to be bought will compare favourably with the best cycles used in other States, he added.

Urging the Sportspersons to continue with the good show, Jarnail Singh said that it is now time to look forward to the 34th National Games scheduled to be held at Jharkhand.

The Government will leave no stone unturned to extend all co-operation to promote talent and encourage the sports culture in the State.

Asserting that there is immense talent all over the State, Jarnail Singh said that Manipur should protect its sports power house reputation.

Addressing the gathering MLA S Keba, who sponsored the reception function, said that sports will go a long way in bringing the restless youth of the State to the right path.

The new elected MLA from Patsoi Assembly Constituency assured that he would extend all possible co-operation to promote and encourage sports-persons.

Gifts were presented to the different contingents which took part in the 33rd National Games held at Guwahati from February 9 to 18 during the function today.

President of the Manipur Olympic Association, E Binoykumar, Chief-de-Mission of the Manipur contingent to the National Games, Th Joykumar, IGP Dinokumar, IGP Khoute and retired IAS officer Ch Ibohal attended the function as guests of honour.

Manipur topped the medal list amongst the States and overall it came second in the National Games.

The first position went to Services.

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