Cheema honours Asian athletics gold medallist Bawa

Sangrur: Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema honoured Sehnoor Bawa for winning gold in the relay race at the Under-20 Asian Athletics Championship in Hong Kong at her home in Khadial village in the Dirba assembly constituency of Sangrur district.Bawa, who took to sports early, has brought recognition to both her region and the country. Cheema briefed the family on govt support available to athletes, saying the gold at such a young age was a matter of pride for Dirba and the nation. Under CM Bhagwant Mann's leadership, he said, young athletes from rural areas are increasingly making their mark at higher levels. The minister assured the family of full govt backing — equipment, facilities and financial assistance — for Bawa's training and future competitions, expressing hope she would go on to represent India at the Olympics. On infrastructure, Cheema said a major stadium would come up in every third village, with a modern facility planned for Khadial. An indoor stadium accommodating 11 sports disciplines simultaneously is under construction in Dirba town, he added. Qualified coaches are also being deployed across villages to train young athletes. Cheema also congratulated coach Jaspreet Singh for identifying Bawa's potential and developing her into an international-level competitor. MSID:: 131567415 413 |