- October 5, 2023
Punjab Achieves Historic Success at Asian Games with Over 15 Medals, Chief Minister to Honor Winners
“Punjab Achieves Historic Success at Asian Games with Over 15 Medals, Chief Minister to Honor Winners”
Chandigarh, October 5:
The ongoing Asian Games in Hangzhou have witnessed Punjab’s athletes achieving their best-ever performance, securing more than 15 medals for the first time in the history of the Asian Games. The highlight of the day was India winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s Compound team Archery competition, with Parneet Kaur from Mansa district playing a crucial role in the victory.
Punjab’s Sports Minister, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, expressed immense pride in the remarkable achievement of Punjab’s athletes at the Asian Games. He pointed out that in the 72-year history of the Asian Games, Punjab’s athletes have now secured a total of 16 medals during this edition in Hangzhou. Notably, the Men’s Hockey and Men’s Cricket competitions are still underway. Previously, Punjab’s athletes had secured a total of 15 medals at the inaugural Asian Games held in New Delhi in 1951.
Meet Hayer highlighted that the sportspersons who have fulfilled the dream of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to establish Punjab as a leading state in sports deserve hearty congratulations. He mentioned that, for the first time, the Punjab Government had provided prize money for athletes’ preparation under the new sports policy, with 58 sportspersons receiving a total of Rs. 4.64 Crores, amounting to Rs. 8 lakh each. After the return of all athletes, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will personally honor the medal winners with cash prizes.
The Sports Minister extended his congratulations to the victorious athletes and conveyed his best wishes to the Men’s Hockey and Cricket teams for their upcoming knockout matches. He specifically lauded Punjab’s Parneet Kaur, who clinched the Gold Medal in Archery, commending her for bringing pride to the state and the nation. Meet Hayer also acknowledged the pivotal role played by coaches and the unwavering support of parents in the athletes’ accomplishments.
Thus far, 20 players from Punjab have secured a total of 16 medals, including six Gold, six Silver, and four Bronze medals, across various disciplines such as Athletics and Shooting at the Asian Games.