Mid-Day Opinion: Hope Asiad winners get the promised awards

Asiad medal winners Vishal TK (left) and Hariharan Amsakarunan, in Chennai, on Friday. Pic/PTI

The Asian Games is giving the last few furious wags of its tail as it closes on October 4. This edit space will be highlighting certain sporting aspects as the curtains come down in Japan.

Several politicians have jumped into the action so to speak, promising medal winners sums of money on their return. They have made these pronouncements in the news and as the athletes return to their respective States. These are leaders of different states praising our champs and promising a financial reward with the amount spelt out.

These are statements reported by credible news outlets about those at the helm stating their government has announced cash prize (amounts differ) to such and such athlete for their performance at the Asian Games.

We are all for rewarding sportspersons. They should be rewarded for their success not just with a pat on the back but with financial rewards that will help them pursue their sport, help their families who have sacrificed so much during the journey and continue to do so and make them live their dream.

It is with joy that we hear these statements about our athletes and it is now up to all those announcers to make good on their promise. We hope they do not practice selective amnesia. It is depressing, disgraceful and shameful when sportspersons says they were ‘told' they are going to receive an award but years later, they are still waiting for it.

Those voted in, have to prove they are credible, trustworthy and do not just say things to make the news. Do not make anybody nudge you. Walk that talk, please.