CHANDIGARH, Nov 1: Eight Arjuna Awardees of Haryana State, who were recently awarded the prestigious award at a ceremony held at Delhi, were honoured today on the occasion of Haryana Day at Haryana Bhawan. The Haryana Governor Mahabir Prasad gave a memento and shawl to each of the player present at the felicitation ceremony.Maharaj Krishan Kaushik, who was the coach of the men's hockey team which bagged gold in the last Asian Games held at Bangkok, was present here at the function. Kaushik was also a member of the Indian hockey team which got gold in the Moscow Olympics in 1980.Other present were Asan Kumar, coach of the victorious Indian kabaddi team which got gold in 13th Asian Games. Pritam Thakran (hockey), Anju Dua (gymnastics coach), Rohtas Singh Dahiya (wrestler), Neelam J Singh (athlete) and Narinder Kumar (judo).Sri Chand, former 110-metre hurdler, however, was conspicuous by his absence.MS Malik, manager of the Indian hockey team (13th Asian Games) was honoured with a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a memento.The sportspersons, however, felt ignored at the function as they were not given any cash incentive. ``This is no way of honouring the players,'' said an Arjuna Awardee. The sportspersons also met Haryana Sports Minister Raj Kumar Saini, who in turn passed the buck. ``I have passed your message to the Governor. The Government will give cash incentives on some other occasion,'' promised the minister. Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala was also present on the occasion.
