By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, August 27, 2018: Odisha chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday announced a cash award of Rs 1.5 crore to Indian sprinter Dutee Chand for winning a silver medal in women’s100-metre dash at the 18th Asian Games held in Indonesia on Sunday.

Earlier on Sunday, Patnaik congratulated Dutee saying in a Twitter post, “Congratulate #DuteeChand on sprinting to glory with a Silver in 100m sprint at #AsianGames2018. You have made the nation proud and #Odisha could not have been prouder! Best wishes. #OdishaForIndia.”

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 26, 2018

Dutee, who hails from Odisha, clocked 11.32 seconds, a tad below her national record of 11.29 seconds.

Patnaik said “it was a matter of pride” that an athlete from Odisha has brought laurels to the country.

“In recognition of her grit and determination, the chief minister has announced a cash award of Rs 1.5 crore to Dutee Chand,” a statement issued by Patnaik’s office said.

In 1998 Asian Games, Odia athlete Rachita Panda Mistri had won a bronze medal.

The CMO statement also said that the government plans to increase its focus on sporting events and activities in the coming days, considering the performance of its athletes in the recent times.

“To encourage athletes, the state had successfully organised the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships in 2017 in partnership with International Association of Athletics Federation and Athletics Federation of India. Odisha will soon get an advanced Athletics Academy, a first-of-its-kind at state level,” it added.

A host of other distinguished persons in the state, including Union Petrolem Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, have also congratulated Dutee Chand for her achievement.