•    Pure gold medals of 3kg and 2kg were given to every Indian winning silver and bronze medal respectively in the London Olympics

Sahara India Pariwar, a major business conglomerate and the prime promoter & patron of sports in India, today honoured the Indian sportspersons who won medals in the recently held London Olympics, in a grand felicitation ceremony organised at Sahara Shaher, Lucknow. Prior to the commencement of the London Olympics, Sahara India Pariwar, in July this year, had announced to award medals of pure gold of 5 Kg, 3 Kg and 2 Kg to every Indian winning gold, silver and bronze medal respectively in the London Olympics 2012. In pursuance of the said announcement, a ceremony was organised to award medals to the Indian Olympic winners. The ceremony witnessed the awarding of a big 3 kg medal of pure gold to the sportsmen who won silver medal in London Olympics 2012, namely, Shri Vijay Kumar (Shooting) and Mr. Sushil Kumar (Wrestling), whereas 2 Kg medals of pure gold were awarded to the Indian sportspersons - Shri Gagan Narang (Shooting), Ms. Saina Nehwal (Badminton), Ms. Mary Kom (Boxing) and Shri Yogeshwar Dutt (Wrestling) for winning bronze medal in the London Olympics 2012. The awards were presented to the sportspersons by Shri Akhilesh Yadav, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh, amongst the presence of many dignitaries from across all walks of life.
A cultural programme was also held as a part of the ceremony which included some memorable performances by Shri Sonu Niigaam and Shri Shiamak Davar’s troupe.
Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Akhilesh Singh Yadav, said, “I would like to congratulate the sportspersons who have brought laurels to our nation on an international level. I would, first of all, like to thank Saharasri Ji for honoring these talented sportspersons by inviting them to Lucknow and adorning them with huge medals of Gold. I am feeling as happy as I used to feel while watching them on Television.”
Speaking on the occasion, ‘Saharasri’ Subrata Roy Sahara, Managing Worker & Chairman, Sahara India Pariwar, said, “I would, first of all, like to welcome all the 6 great sons and daughters of our great nation, from the depth of my heart. All these talented children of our nation have made us immensely proud. I have known them since long. They started their career in sports on their own and the only ones who stood by them then, were their family members. I felt that something needs to be done in this regard. So, Sahara has come-up with a new planning so as to increase the medal count in the next Olympics. As per this plan, we will be setting up a sports centre of international level at Aamby Valley City where many budding sportspersons will be given world class training. I would also request our friends from media to give more appreciation to these heroes and be even more instrumental in helping them to enhance their performance. I would also like to thank Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Akhilesh Singh Yadav for taking out time from his busy schedule and gracing this occasion.”
Shri Sushil Kumar said that earlier also he has received continuous support, appreciation and encouragement from Saharasri Ji. In the past, we have seen that no other organization has supported sports as Sahara has done. This time also, I am extremely overwhelmed by his gracious blessings. This fact was echoed all the other sportspersons present during the ceremony.
With the objective of developing sports in India and securing better prospects for India in terms of medals tally in the London Olympics, Sahara India Pariwar, adopted Indian Boxing, Wrestling, Archery, Shooting, Track & Field and Tennis, covering support of a total of 101 sportsmen in these 6 games who were potential medal winners. Apart from this, Sahara has also extended support to the Indian Volleyball by sponsoring the Men’s National Teams (Senior & Junior) for a span of 4 years till 2016.
Sahara is also the sponsor of Indian Cricket team and Indian Hockey teams (Men & Women National and Junior Hockey Teams), owner of the IPL Cricket team – ‘Pune Warriors India’ and ‘Sahara Force India’ – the only Indian Formula 1 Team.

ABOUT SAHARA INDIA PARIWAR
Sahara India Pariwar is a major business conglomerate in India with operations in multiple sectors, including financial services, life insurance, mutual funds, housing finance, infrastructure & housing, city development, print and television news media, entertainment channels, cinema production, consumer merchandise retail, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, sports, and information technology.

सुरेन्द्र अग्निहोत्री
agnihotri1966@gmail.com
sa@upnewslive.com