Chandigarh, As a triumphant men’s hockey team returned from China on Tuesday proudly bearing the Asian Champions Trophy, waiting for them was a special reward from Hockey India — a cheque for Rs 25,000 for each squad member. The players refused to accept the cheques, calling it an insult. On Wednesday, the sports ministry made amends to some extent by announcing Rs 1.5 lakh for each player under a government scheme. It’s been more than a year and a half since Hockey India (HI) approved a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh to each player who won an Asian-level tournament and Rs 35,000 as match fee for the tournament. Young Indian players hungry for success: Nobb This came after the players went on strike demanding money from the federation and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).The then IOA chief, Suresh Kalmadi, had personally visited the Commonwealth Games camp in Pune to break the deadlock. According to a proposal approved at the special committee meeting on February 16 last year, a graded system of payment was accepted. Players were promised monetary incentives for winning medals - Rs 3 lakh for a victory at the Asian Games, Rs 2 lakh for the Asia Cup and Rs 1 lakh for the Commonwealth Games, respectively. Read Full: Rs 25K for champs? No thanks, says team - Hindustan Times
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Rs 25K for champs? No thanks, says team
Chandigarh, As a triumphant men’s hockey team returned from China on Tuesday proudly bearing the Asian Champions Trophy, waiting for them was a special reward from Hockey India — a cheque for Rs 25,000 for each squad member. The players refused to accept the cheques, calling it an insult. On Wednesday, the sports ministry made amends to some extent by announcing Rs 1.5 lakh for each player under a government scheme. It’s been more than a year and a half since Hockey India (HI) approved a cash reward of Rs 3 lakh to each player who won an Asian-level tournament and Rs 35,000 as match fee for the tournament. Young Indian players hungry for success: Nobb This came after the players went on strike demanding money from the federation and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).The then IOA chief, Suresh Kalmadi, had personally visited the Commonwealth Games camp in Pune to break the deadlock. According to a proposal approved at the special committee meeting on February 16 last year, a graded system of payment was accepted. Players were promised monetary incentives for winning medals - Rs 3 lakh for a victory at the Asian Games, Rs 2 lakh for the Asia Cup and Rs 1 lakh for the Commonwealth Games, respectively. Read Full: Rs 25K for champs? No thanks, says team - Hindustan Times