Cash awards pour in for Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi

One day after Sakshi Malik ended India's wait for a medal at the Rio Olympic Games, the windfall of cash rewards began to fill up the maiden woman wrestling bronze medallist's coffers with a cumulative sum of over Rs 3.5 crore and a job promotion promised.

The 23-year-old from Rohtak won the bronze medal bout in the 58kg category over Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan here on Wednesday. It was India's first medal in the Rio Games.

And the bronze medal is sure to make her richer with her state government Haryana announcing a reward of Rs 2.5 crore, while her employer Railways promised a Rs 50 lakh cash award.

Railways also declared that Sakshi will be promoted to the rank of a gazetted officer.

Apart from these awards, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had declared a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh.

Moreover, according to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports cash awards policy, she is set to get Rs 30 lakh.

International Fitness Festival will also present her Rs 5 lakh.

The Uttar Pradesh government also announced that it will honour Sakshi with the coveted Rani Laxmi Bai award.

The Rani Laxmi Bai award carries a cash prize of Rs 3.11 lakh, a citation and a statue of Rani Laxmi Bai.

--IANS

pur/bg