To celebrate Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s achievements and her contribution to the sports by backing a new generation of female athletes, the Lovely Professional University (LPU) on Thursday announced sponsorship for 100 promising women athletes. LPU’s founder-chancellor Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal made the significant announcement in the wake of Phogat’s disqualification from the finals for Olympic Gold medal bout by just 100 grams.
Describing Phogat as ‘Balali ki Jwalamukhi’, Dr Mittal also announced plans to include a dedicated chapter on her in LPU’s physical education program. The new curriculum addition aimed at inspiring future athletes by highlighting Phogat’s exemplary career and achievements.
During a grand ‘National Sports Day’ event at varsity’s campus, LPU honoured its students who represented India at the recently-concluded Paris Olympics with a substantial cash prize of Rs 2.5 crore. The event celebrated the achievements of 24 Olympians, including Phogat, who was awarded Rs 25 lakh, despite her recent setback and missing a medal by a whisker.
Besides, Hockey players Gurjant Singh (MBA), Mandeep Singh, Hardik, Harmanpreet Singh, Shamsher Singh (BA), boxing player Lovlina Borgohain (BA), Preeti (BSc), Jaismine Lamboria (BPEd), weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (MA), Antim Panghal (MA), Anshu Malik (MA), shooter Arjun Singh Cheema (MA), athletes Kiran Pahal (BA), Vikash Singh, Balraj Panwar (BBA) were also honoured. The remaining eight Olympians, including Silver medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, are expected to visit the alma mater later in the next month.
Furthermore, Dr Mittal announced a new initiative to provide job opportunities for Olympians within four years, emphasizing LPU’s dedication to supporting its athletes beyond their competitive careers. With LPU students representing 21 percent of the Indian team for Paris 2024, the university has secured its position as the second-largest student delegation globally, after Stanford University.
