Himachal Pradesh’s kabaddi champions Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur and Bhawna Thakur to receive Rs 1 crore each after India’s Asian Games gold. (Images: X)
New Delhi: The Himachal Pradesh government has announced a major increase in the cash reward for three women kabaddi players from the state who helped India win gold at the recently concluded Asian Games. Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur and Bhawna Thakur will receive Rs 1 crore each, along with an offer of government employment, in recognition of their performances at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.
The announcement came after the players met Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and raised concerns over the initial reward announced for their Asian Games gold medal.
The three players were felicitated by the Chief Minister, who presented them with traditional Himachali caps and shawls during the meeting. According to the state government, each player will receive a cash incentive of Rs 1 crore. They will also be offered government jobs as recognition for their contribution to the national team’s gold-medal campaign. The government said players who do not wish to join the Police Department can instead opt for positions in the Youth Services and Sports Department. This option would allow them to remain connected with sports while contributing to its development in Himachal Pradesh.
The revised announcement follows disappointment among the players over an earlier reward of Rs 33 lakh each for their gold-medal achievement. India captain Pushpa Rana said the players had been unhappy because they felt the initial amount did not match the benefits they were entitled to under the state’s sports policy.
After meeting the Chief Minister, however, Rana said she was encouraged by the response and expressed confidence that the Rs 1 crore incentive would be formally awarded.
Jyoti Thakur also spoke about the meeting, describing India’s Asian Games gold as a moment of pride for both the country and Himachal Pradesh. She said the players had approached the Chief Minister to put forward their concerns regarding cash awards and employment. According to Thakur, Sukhu assured them that the Rs 1 crore incentive would be presented at an official function. The revised reward is expected to recognise the contribution of the Himachal players to India’s successful kabaddi campaign.
The state government has also announced a Rs 1 crore reward for India fast bowler Renuka Thakur in recognition of her sporting achievements. The move comes as Himachal Pradesh seeks to honour athletes from the state who have represented India at the highest level.
Himachal Pradesh Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan also praised the state’s athletes following India’s gold-medal triumph. He highlighted the contributions of Pushpa Rana, Bhawna Thakur and Jyoti Thakur and described their presence in the Indian team as a matter of pride for the state. Pushpa Rana who hails from Sirmaur and led the Indian women’s kabaddi team was particularly recognised for her role in the gold-medal campaign.
The women’s and men’s Indian kabaddi teams both secured gold medals at the Aichi-Nagoya Games adding to India’s strong performance in the competition.
