Talasha Prabhu awarded special memento
PANJIM, JULY 1
Commitment and extensive training are very important for a sportsperson to achieve success, stressed Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, at Kala Academy, here on Thursday.
Speaking after felicitating students who bagged medals at 55th National School Games 2009-10 and presenting cheques to the tune of Rs. 8.50 lakhs to educational institutions having secured the winners and runners-up places at State secondary and higher secondary schools sports, Digambar remarked that sports today was a viable career option and as such the students had to work hard to earn laurels.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and the Planning commission had assured full support for hosting the National Games in Goa. “Pull up the socks and prepare for the big event,” he stressed.
Talasha Prabhu, Goa’s ace international swimmer was honoured for her splendid achievements – four gold with three national records being set at National Schools Games in Kolkata this year.
Talasha was the lone Goan at Asian Schools Swimming championship at Doha-Qatar and is presently undergoing coaching for India probable team for Commonwealth Games. Her father, Satish received the special memento and the commendation certificate.
A total of 49 medals were won at the Nationals – 11 gold, 14 silver and 24 bronze. High schools (winners) were awarded Rs. 15,000 each and runners- up Rs. 10,000 (each). Secondary school winners received Rs.10,000 each while the runners-up took home Rs.7000 each.
Addressing the large gathering, Dr. Susana D’Souza, DSYA director, explained the benefits that the youngsters are getting in Goa today as compared to when the DSYA was launched in 1973, 37 years ago when the budget was just Rs 10 lakhs. “Today, thanks to the government, it has increased to Rs 73 crores,” Dr Susana added.
Dr. Susana welcomed. Assistant Director (Sports) R. N. Tari proposed the vote of thanks.
