ProMASS News Bureau: Aug 22, 2016: Gymnast Ms Dipa Karmakar has been awarded Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2016 and her coach Mr Bishweshwar Nandi has been awarded Dronacharya Awards 2016.
Notably, the awardees will receive their awards from the President of India at a specially organized function at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on August 29, 2016. Silver medal winner in Rio 2016, badminton player Ms PV Sindhu, bronze medalist Ms Sakshi Malik and shooter Mr Jitu Rai have also been awarded Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2016.
Based on the recommendations of the various Committees and after due scrutiny, the Government has decided to confer National Sports Awards upon several successful sportspersons/ coaches/organizations who have brought laurels and pride for the country. Total 15 sports personnel have been conferred Arjun Award 2016.
Apart from a medal and a citation, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardee will receive a cash prize of Rs.7.5 lakh. Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyan Chand Awardees will receive statuettes, certificates and cash prize of Rs.5 lakh each.
Meanwhile, Golden girl of India, Dipa arrived at her hometown Agartala, Tripura Monday morning. At the airport, Dipa and her coach received warm welcome from Indigo Officials and staffs. A large crowd gathered outside airport and cheered the smiling ‘daughter of the soil’ and her coach. Later on a grand programme was arranged under aegis of the State Govt where Tripura CM Manik Sarkar felicitated Dipa and her coach Mr Nandi. Among others State Forest Minister, Education Minister, Sports Minsters along with Local MP and other dignitaries were present. CM Sarkar lauded Dipa’s effort and assured all possible assistance for future competition. Dipa and her coach thanked the people of Tripura as well as whole country for rendering overwhelming support during and after the Rio 2016. She reiterated to work harder and win medal for India in next Olympics. Talking about necessity of foreign coach, Dipa categorically mentioned Indian Coaches are well-capable and there is no need of foreign coaches. Dipa’s parents and her first gymnast Coach Ms Soma Nandi too attended the programme.
