Haryana promises ₹6 crore to Olympic Gold winner
FollowThe Haryana sports minister made the jubilant announcement during Independence Day celebrations, held on Monday. He said that prize would be given to any Indian sportsperson, irrespective of the Indian state he or she belongs to.
As of now, India is yet to win any medals in the Olympics.
Hence it has been decided to encourage sportspersons from our country. Indian players are showing marked improvement in their skills, he said.
Kidambi Srikanth, the centre of attention in the Rio Olympics today, can take heart from Hyderabad city mate P V Sindhu for his men's singles quarterfinal clash against Chinese badminton icon Lin Dan.
Sindhu's stunning straight-game victory over formidable Chinese shuttler Wang Yihan on day 11 yesterday to reach the semis is the ideal morale boost for Srikanth as he confronts two-time Olympic champion Dan.
With the memorable win, Sindhu became the second Indian badminton player to reach an Olympic semifinal after Saina Nehwal achieved the feat four years ago.
Sindhu's highly inspirational 22-20 21-19 victory over the current world no 2 and silver medal winner in London four years ago has boosted the country's sagging hopes of a medal from the Games.
The 21-year-old Indian now stands just a win away from assuring India an elusive medal at the Games here.
However, the task for Srikanth against Dan is formidable as national coach P Gopichand said.
"It's going to be a tough match and he (Srikanth) will give his best. Let's see how it goes. All past records have no significance. It's about keeping the momentum," said Gopi after guiding Sindhu past Wang.
Srikanth has beaten Dan famously once to win the China Open two years ago, but the Chinese ace has looked unstoppable in past Olympics.
Several Indian athletes, including PT Usha's protégé Tintu Luka (women’s 800m) and India's lone woman golfer Aditi Ashok are still in the fray, but India's receding medal chances now rest mainly on badminton and wrestling.
