Udupi: Even as many criticise the government of not doing enough for sportsmen so that they can excel in their sport, when a sportsman makes it big, the governments, may it be state or centre often resorts to appreciating their feat in one way or the other.

Soon after Gururaj Poojary from Kundapura of Udupi district brought home silver in weightlifting event in Common Wealth Games in Australia, State Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Pramodh Madhwaraj announced Group B government job for Gururaj and a cash prize of Rs 25 lakhs.

“This is one of the happiest days of my life,” Madhwaraj said congratulating Gururaj for the win and praising his performance. He said that the state sports policy is in place and according to this a government job and cash reward has been assured to sportspersons.