Sahara felicitates C'wealth Games medallists

The rewards and accolades continue to pour in for the Commonwealth Games medallists. They were felicitated and awarded cash prizes ranging from Rs 7,500 to Rs 30,000 per month for a year at a function in Delhi on Saturday night.

Sahara India Pariwar showed it is ready to embrace sports other than cricket as well as it organised the felicitation and roped in glamour queen Aishwarya Rai to give away prizes which included a gold medallion, a practice kit and performance- based cash awards to be paid per month for a year.

"The victory of these sports persons symbolises victory of the nation. This gesture (of awarding them) is just a reciprocation of their hard work," said Aishwarya, also Council Director of Sahara.

Among the top cash awardees were shooters Anjali Bhagwat and Jaspal Rana (Rs 30,000 per month each) and weightlifters Kunjarani Devi and Sanamacha Chanu (Rs 25,000 per month each).

As a special recognition of her talent, Mithali Raj, who created a record by becoming the highest scorer in women's Test cricket, would be given Rs 30,000 per month.

The gold-winning Indian women's hockey team drew a lot of applause as they lined up on the stage and were complimented by Aishwarya, dressed in the black and white colours of Sahara. Each team member will receive Rs 15,000 each.

The coaches were also rewarded for their efforts, their award comprising a gold medallion and practice kit.

A letter read out on behalf of Sahara's managing worker and chairman Subrata Roy said the company may continue with the cash awards for another year if the sports persons win laurels at the Asian Games too.