LPU gives Rs 2.5 cr cash rewards to its Olympian students
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, August 29
The Lovely Professional University (LPU) hall was filled with excitement when wrestling champion Vinesh Phogat began her speech today.
The moment she started with “Aap sabko mera namaskar”, students started clapping and whistling for her in her honour. Everyone was just waiting for her to speak up.
She then continued, “Yahan takk pahunchne ke lie aapko mere jaisa pagalpan chahiye hoga (To reach here, you need passion like me). Wrestling meri life hai, agar aap wrestling ko mere andar se nikal doge toh matlab jaan nikal doge (Me without wrestling is like taking out life out of me). It will be like a slow death.”
Although Vinesh couldn’t get medal despite her great performance in the Paris Olympics, the way students were desperate to take selfies with her showed that she didn’t need a medal, she has already got it.
The LPU gave Rs 2.5 crore prizes to its students, who represented India at the Paris Olympics. Vinesh Phogat was given Rs 25 lakh. The event was attended by 16 of the 24 Olympians, including wrestling star Vinesh Phogat and Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh.
Harmanpreet, who was famous as ‘Sarpanch Sahib’ during the Paris Olympics, said this name was given to him by commentators and he would keep the name forever with him. Under the captainship of Harmanpreet, the Indian hockey team won the bronze medal.
Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Hardik, Shamsher Singh, Gurjant Singh (MBA), boxing player Lovlina Borgohain (BA), Preeti (BSc), Jasmine Lamboria (BPEd), weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (MA), wrestling player Vinesh (MA), Antim Panghal (MA), Anshu Malik (MA), shooter Arjun Singh Cheema (MA), athletes Kiran Pahal (BA), Vikash Singh and Balraj Panwar (BBA) were present.
The remaining eight Olympians, including silver medallist Neeraj Chopra, are expected to visit the alma mater next month.
The ceremony coincided with National Sports Day, featuring vibrant performances and heartfelt tributes from fellow students. Olympians were celebrated with open-top bus parades, cultural performances, personalised artworks and showering flowers on the athletes creating an inspiring atmosphere of camaraderie and pride.
Bond with ‘Sarpanch Sahib’
Harmanpreet Singh, who was famous as 'Sarpanch Sahib' during the Paris Olympics, said this name was given to him by commentators and he would keep the name forever with him. Under the captainship of Harmanpreet, the Indian hockey team won the bronze medal.
