Veerappa Moily announces Rs 5 lakh assistance to family of Makhan Singh

NEW DELHI: Following reports of sporting icon and former Asian gold medallist Makhan Singh being forgotten, Petroleum Minister M Veerappa Moily today announced aid of Rs 5 lakh to the Arjuna Award winner's family.

In a statement, Moily said on learning about the distress status of the family of Makhan Singh, he asked the President of the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB) to consider release of immediate relief to the sportsman's family.

Accordingly, the PSPB has agreed to release a sum of Rs 5 lakh to the family of Makhan Singh.

"The cheque will be presented to them next week in New Delhi," he said.

Makhan Singh was once feared even by legendary athlete Milkha Singh. Reports suggest his family today is struggling to make ends meet. Makhan Singh passed away in 2002 at the age of 64.