Maharashtra to give jobs to Games medallists

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government Wednesday decided to offer Class 1 government jobs to all Commonwealth Games medallists from the state.

Sportspersons from the state have bagged 11 medals -- four gold, four silver and three bronze -- so far.

Additionally, all Games medallists from the country will be given complimentary passes for two for the Deccan Odyssey, a luxury train covering major tourist destinations of the state.

"We are proud of the achievements of all the medal winners, especially those from the state," Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan told mediapersons Wednesday afternoon.

The Games medallists will also be honoured by the state government at a public function, he added.

Besides the job offers, the state government has also announced cash prizes of Rs.10 lakh, Rs.7.5 lakh and Rs.5 lakh to gold, silver and bronze medallists respectively.

Several corporates, trusts and private organisations too have announced prizes for the medallists.

As of Oct 13, the state had 11 medallists -- 10 women and one male. They are:

Gold:

Rahi Sarnobat of Kolhapur (Shooting)

Anisa Syed of Pune (Shooting, two gold)

Narsinh Yadav of Mumbai (Wrestling)

Silver:

Rahi Sarnobat of Kolhapur (Shooting)

Tejaswini Sawant of Kolhapur (Shooting, two silver)

Madhurika Patkar of Thane (Table Tennis)

Bronze:

Tejaswini Sawant of Kolhapur (Shooting)

Suma Shirur of Raigad (Shooting)

Kavita Raut of Nashik (Athletics)