Minister for Youth Services and Sports Molvi Imran Raza Ansari today congratulated the 11 sportspersons who were conferred with State Awards in sports category on the Republic Day.“It is for the first time that the state government has given a record number of awards in the sports category,” he said in a statement.The award for outstanding sportsperson category was given to Surya Bhanu Singh (Wushu), Tajamul Islam (Kick-Boxing), Hashim Mansoor (Karate), Akbar Khan (Climbing), Ishfaq Hussain (Kayaking and Canoeing), Meenal Gupta (Chess), Nipu Jamwal (Judo), Tsering Angmo (Mountaineering), Tashi Laskit (Mountaineering), Rigzin Dolkar (Mountaineering) and Stanzin Laskit (Mountaineering).
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 51,000, a citation and a Gold Medal.Speaking on the occasion, Ansari said these sportspersons have made everyone proud and their achievements at the national and international level have inspired many youth in the State to take up sports as career. “It becomes imperative to honor the recent feats achieved by state sportspersons in different sports categories to boost their morale,” he added.Ansari reiterated his unflinching support to state sportspersons and said that he will work to create better sports infrastructure and opportunities for them in State.