Punjab Athletes Shine at Paris Olympics, Garner Laurels for India

Punjab athletes made their state proud at the Paris Olympics 2024, with India securing six medals. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann honored the medalists, mainly from hockey, with significant cash prizes. Overall, the Punjab government distributed Rs 9 crore 35 lakh to the participating athletes.

Punjab athletes delivered stellar performances at the Paris Olympics 2024, bringing home six medals for India, including five bronze and one silver.

On Sunday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann felicitated state athletes who medaled or participated in the event. The ceremony predominantly celebrated hockey players, with eight athletes from Amritsar and Jalandhar winning bronze medals.

The honorees included Harmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, Samsher Singh, Gurjant Singh, Germanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Sukhjeet Singh. Each player received Rs 1 crore. Additionally, shooters Sifat Kaur Samra, Anjum Mudgil, Vijayveer Singh Sidhu, Arjun Singh Cheema, Arjun Babuta, and Rajeshwari Kumari were awarded a total of Rs 15 lakh in cash prizes.

Athletics and golf players such as Tejinderpal Singh Toor, Akshdeep Singh, and Gaganjeet Bhullar were also recognized. Athletes expressed appreciation for the Punjab government's support, noting that such honors boost morale and interest in sports among youth in the state.

In conversations with ANI, Mandeep Singh remarked, "This recognition will elevate the morale of budding players. There's increased youth interest in sports in Punjab, driven by supportive policies from both the state and central governments. Our confidence is high heading into the upcoming China Hockey Championship."

Chief Minister Mann lauded the athletes' hard work and referred to them as the state's pride. He assured continued support for athletes. In total, Rs 9 crore 35 lakh was distributed among the Olympians.

Manu Bhaker opened India's medal tally, securing third place in the women's 10m Air pistol event, a historic first for Indian women shooters. Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh also won the bronze in the mixed team 10m air pistol event, marking India's first team shooting medal. Bhaker nearly achieved a grand treble, narrowly missing out on her final event.

Known for her multiple medals, Bhaker joins the ranks of PV Sindhu and Sushil Kumar, becoming the first Indian athlete after independence to achieve two medals in a single Olympic edition.

Led by Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian men's hockey team clinched back-to-back bronze medals for the first time in 52 years, winning 2-1 against Spain. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)