Ex-minister gives cheque for Rs 5 lakh to Olympic-bound athlete’s family

Patiala, July 14

Ahead of Tokyo Olympics, former cabinet minister Surjit Singh Rakhra today announced Rs1 crore for athlete Gupreet Singh if he won gold medal at the mega sports event. Gurpreet, who would be competing in 50-km walk, hails from Rakhra’s constituency. Rakhra said his family would give Rs51 lakh to the winner of silver and Rs21 lakh to bronze Olympic medals.

Notably, Gurpreet, a 38-year-old Army man, qualified for the Tokyo Olympics at Eighth National Championships held in Ranchi this year. While handing over Rs5 lakh cheque to family members of Gurpreet Singh during a press conference in Patiala, Rakhra said “Gurpreet has made district proud by qualifying for Olympics. I am sure he will win medal and bring laurels for the country.”—TNS