Maharashtra announces Rs 75 lakh cash reward to Lalita Babar

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, announced cash rewards to five atheletes from Maharashtra who took part in the Rio Olympic games

Maharashtra Government on Tuesday announced a cash reward of Rs 75 lakh to steeplechase specialist from the state Lalita Babar, who finished a creditable 10th at the Rio Olympics, and Rs 50 lakh to bronze medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who announced these cash rewards, said the five athletes from Maharashtra who took part in the last month's Games will get Rs 50 lakh each.

He also gave a cash award of Rs 75 lakh to Olympic silver medallist in women's badminton singles P V Sindhu and Rs 25 lakh to her coach P Gopichand.

"The Government of Maharashtra is happy to announce today we have given a cash award of Rs 75 lakh to Sindhu and Rs 25 lakh to her coach (Gopichand).

"We would also like to announce a cash reward of Rs 50 lakh to Sakshi Malik and Rs 25 lakh to her coach. Lalita Babar, the girl who made Maharashtra proud, will get a cash reward of Rs 75 lakh, while her coach will get Rs 25 lakh," Fadnavis announced after felicitating Sindhu and Gopichand.

The event was organised by the Maharashtra Badminton Association.

"For the sportpersons who represented India in the (Rio) Olympics and were from Maharashtra, we would like to give a cash award of Rs 50 lakh each to them. These sportpersons are Ayonika Paul, Prarthana Thombare, Dattu Bhonkanal, Devraj Walmiki and Kavita Raut," the Chief Minister said.