Rs 10 lakhs to be awarded to Sirsi-based coach of Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra

Bengaluru: Minister for Youth Empowerment and Sports Dr Narayana Gowda has announced a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs to the coach of Olympic javelin gold medallist Neeraj Chopra’s coach Kashinath Naik from Sirsi.

“Kannadiga Kashinath Naik also had a role in Neeraj Chopra winning the gold medal. Chopra was trained by Naik who himself had won a bronze medal in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Kashinath Naik, the backbone of such a feat, will be given a prize of Rs 10 lakhs,” Gowda announced.

“7 Indian athletes will be felicitated by the State government for their outstanding performance in the Tokyo Olympics. Coach Naik too will be felicitated on the occasion,” Minister Gowda added.

“Qualifying to participate in the Olympic Games is a great achievement. Three Kannadigas participated in the Tokyo Olympics and performed well. All of them will be felicitated,” Dr Narayan Gowda said.