Maharashtra govt announces Rs 75 lakh cash reward to Lalita Babar

Maharashtra has announced a cash reward of Rs 75 lakh to steeplechase specialist from the state Lalita Babar, who finished a creditable 10th at the Rio Olympics, and Rs 50 lakh to bronze medallist wrestler Sakshi Malik. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who announced these cash rewards, said the five athletes from Maharashtra who took part in the last month’s Games will get Rs 50 lakh each.

He also gave a cash award of Rs 75 lakh to Olympic silver medallist in women’s badminton singles P V Sindhu and Rs 25 lakh to her coach P Gopichand.

 Lalita Babar, the girl who made Maharashtra proud, will get a cash reward of Rs 75 lakh, while her coach will get Rs 25 lakh.

Lalita Babar is an Indian long-distance runner. She was born in a small village in the Satara district, Maharashtra. She predominantly competes in the 3000 metres steeplechase and is the current Indian national record holder and the reigning Asian Champion in the same event.

Babar was named as the Sports Person of the Year in the India Sports Awards 2015 organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India. She is currently supported by Anglian Medal Hunt Company.