Lovely Professional University announces Rs 25 lakh cash reward for its student Vinesh Phogat

Jalandhar, August 7

In a heart-warming gesture, Lovely Professional University (LPU) has announced a cash reward of ₹25 lakh for its student Vinesh Phogat. The university reserved the money for silver medal winner students in the Paris Olympics. The award is announced despite her recent disqualification from the Olympics. This decision comes as a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to its student-athletes, even in the face of disappointment.

Vinesh Phogat, a promising wrestler and an LPU student, had earlier scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event in the Olympic Games. However, due to a narrow margin of just 100 g, she was found overweight during the weigh-in on the morning of the competition, leading to her disqualification.

Despite this heartbreaking moment for Indian sports fans, LPU has stood firmly behind its students. Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal, MP (Rajya Sabha) and founder chancellor of LPU, said, “For us, Vinesh is still a medal winner. Her dedication and skill throughout her journey deserve recognition, and we are proud to award her the promised prize money of Rs 25 lakh, which was reserved for silver medallists.”

The university's commitment to supporting its student-athletes does not end with Vinesh Phogat. LPU has announced a comprehensive cash reward program for students who win medals at the Paris Olympics. Gold medalists will receive ₹50 lakhs, silver medalists will receive ₹25 lakhs and bronze medalists will receive ₹10 lakhs.