PM encourages Rio athletes, says Olympics bigger than 'winning'

The Haryana Government announced a cash award for the athletes from the state who win medals at the Rio Olympics.

Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Anil Vij said that it was a matter of pride for the state that 22 sports persons were selected in the Olympic squad.

Rs.15 lakh will be given to all the players for their preparation.

The Indian squad for Rio Olympics got a fitting send off at a function in Delhi organized by the Indian Olympic Association.

120 athletes will be representing India at the Rio Olympics starting from 5th August.

Rajiv Yadav, Union Sports Secretary said on the occasion that this year the Government was liberal in their funding by giving 90% of the funds in one go.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a special cash prize for the six Rio bound athletes from the state.

A cash prize of Rs.10 lakh will be given to each athlete to help them get their kits and prepare better for the games.

There are four girls from Odisha in India's Olympic squad - two in track events and four in hockey.

The US and Chinese Governments also announced cash prizes for the athletes who would win medals at the upcoming Rio Olympics.

The US Government will award $25,000 to the gold medal winner, $15,000 for silver and $10,000 for bronze.

China will give about $31,400 to the athletes who secure gold medals.

Britain's Olympic committee does not give any prize money at all.

PM Modi flagged off the 'Run for Rio', a running event held before the commencement of the Rio Olympics 2016.

The event was organised to tell the Rio participants that India is proud of them.

In a short speech before the run, PM Modi said that people view games in terms of losing and winning but they are much more than that.