Hooda fetes CWG winners with cash,cars and ghee…

The day also marked Haryana Diwas as it was on this day 44 years ago that Haryana had become a state in 1966. There was chaos everywhere — the roads were jammed,the stadium was packed but the crowd didn’t seem to mind it all as they gathered to cheer for their sons and daughters who had put their villages on the world map. During those four hours,they forgot their daily problems and reveled in music and Jeete Hardum Haryana,a five-minute documentary on the achievements of the players.

From the who’s who of Haryana politics to sportspersons (with the exception of Vijender Singh and Saina Nehwal),all the important personalities of the state were assembled here. Amid huge applause,Hooda took centrestage and congratulated the players for their superlative performances. “You have made us proud and the whole of Haryana is assembled here to honour you. Not only the winners,we will also honour the participants and their respective coaches. We are sure you will do well in the coming Asian Games and the London Olympics 2012,” Hooda,himself a keen sports follower,addressed the players.

And making full use of the opportunity,Hooda announced rewards for the sportspersons who would win medals in the Asian Games and 2012 Olympics. The winners in Asian Games would win Rs 25 lakh (gold),Rs 15 lakh (silver) and Rs 10 lakh (bronze),while winners in London Olympics will get Rs 2 crore (gold),Rs 1 crore (silver) and Rs 50 lakh (bronze). “I request the players to begin their preparations for the Olympics as soon as possible and once again make the state and country proud,” he said.

And for the players,it was already Diwali time for them as they took along with them cash prizes,cars,new mobile phones and some ghee too. “It was really encouraging to see thousands of people assembled here and cheer for us. Indeed,today is Diwali for us and hopefully we will win more medals in the Asiad and Olympics,” said wrestler Geeta Phogat,who was honoured during the event along with her sister Babita.

Wrestler Sushil Kumar was undoubtedly the favourite among all as he received the maximum cheers from the crowd as they all congratulated him on his engagement. Gagan Narang,who had won four gold in the Delhi Games,was also popular among the crowd.