Punjab announces Rs 1 lakh prize for boxer Mandeep Sandhu

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government on Monday extended warm welcome to the Junior World Champion Mandeep Kaur Sandhu on her arrival, besides announcing a Rs 1 lakh cash prize for the boxer. The boxer, who was on her way back to village Chakar (district Ludhiana), landed at Chandigarh Airport after winning the coveted title of Junior World Championship at Taipei. Punjab education minister Daljit Singh Cheema announced a cash prize of Rs one lakh to her. The prize would be conferred during a function to be held at Guru Nanak Bhawan Ludhiana on May 27. Cheema honoured the boxer at Punjab Civil Secretariat with `Fulkari' and `Shawl' amidst cheers and clapping of fans, parents, coaches and sports lovers.Speaking on the occasion, Cheema said the Punjab cabinet has approved the recruitment of 125 sportspersons in police department. Sports persons would be recruited for the post of DSP, Sub Inspector and Constable as per their achievements in the national and international events. Besides Mandeep Kaur's parents Jagdev Singh and Daljit Kaur, Cheema also honoured coach Davinder Singh SP and coach Surinder Kaur and brother Jagwinder Singh, an official release said.