Windfall for Malleshwari

Cash awards and congratulatory messages poured in for bronze medallist Karnam Malleshwari from all quarters for her dazzling performance at the Sydney Olympics.

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee congratulated Malleshwari on the phone and told her,''It is a unique achievement. Your feat is a tribute to Indian womanhood.''

Union Sports Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said that performance is a landmark in the annals of India's sporting history.

The Andhra weightlifter, who has been living at Yamunanagar in Haryana since 1997, was also congratulated by state Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala who announced a Rs 2.5 million cash award for her.

He claimed that the cash incentive announced by his government for sportspersons for a medal winning performance at Olympics was one of the motivating factors for Malleshwari's sterling show.

Maharashtra Sports Minister Anil Deshmukh also announced a cash award of Rs 2.5 million for the lifter.

On Tuesday, the Andhra Pradesh government had announced an award of Rs 1 million for Malleshwari.

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