69 trains delayed, 4 cancelled due to fog
At least 69 trains were running late while four were cancelled on Saturday due to heavy fog in many parts…
India’s first medallist at the ongoing Rio Olympics, wrestler Sakshi Malik will be rewarded with a cash award of Rs.60 lakh by her employers Indian Railways for her bronze winning feat in women’s 58kg freestyle category.
The Railway Ministry had announced before the start of the Games that handsome cash awards of Rs.1 cr, Rs.75 lakh and Rs.50 lakh will be given to medal winners and a further Rs.10 lakh for qualifying.
"It was the proactive approach of president Railways Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) Pradeep Kumar, who was instrumental in raising women’s wrestling team and positive approach of the Ministry of Railways, who declared the awards not after Olympics as they usually do but prior so that there is an added motivation," RSPB secretary Rekha Yadav said.
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"The Indian Railways is proud of both its wrestlers Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat. Sakshi is currently a senior clerk with Northern Railways. She will be promoted to the rank of a gazetted officer," she added.
The Indian Railways are planning a grand felicitation for Sakshi to celebrate her stupendous feat.
The Uttar Pradesh government will honour Sakshi Malik, the first woman Indian wrestler to win a medal in Olympics, with the coveted Rani Laxmi Bai award.
This was announced by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday at a Raksha Bandhan ceremony in the state capital. He said Sakshi has made the nation proud by winning bronze at the Rio Olympics.
Akhilesh said: "I, on behalf of the state of Uttar Pradesh, congratulate her on this momentous occasion."
The Rani Laxmi Bai award carries a cash prize of Rs.3.11 lakh, a citation and a statue of Rani Laxmi Bai. The 23-year-old won the bronze in the 58-kg category wrestling on Wednesday.
Haryana government also announced a reward of Rs 2.50 crore and a job to wrestler Sakshi Malik for winning a bronze medal in the Rio Olympics.
The wrestling contingent will be back in India on August 23 and the felicitation will be held on a suitable date after that.
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