Archer Parneet Kaur, who returned to Punjab for after winning a gold medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games, was given a rousing reception by Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on her arrival at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport, Mohali today. While welcoming and felicitating Parneet Kaur on behalf of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Meet Hayer said that the proud daughter of Mansa district of Punjab has brought laurels to Punjab and the country in the Asian Games.
He said that 32 players from Punjab have won a total of 20 medals including 8 gold, 6 silver and 6 bronze medals, by showing best ever performance in the 72-year history of the Games. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann will felictate the medal winners who have put the state back on the world's sports map, with cash prizes during a special function being organised soon after returning all the players to the country, the Minister added.
Meet Hayer further said that Parneet Kaur has become a source of inspiration for the girls of the state by winning gold medals in the World Championship, World Cup and Asian Games at a very young age of 18 with her hard work and dedication. He attributed his success to his parents and coaches. On this occasion, Parneet Kaur expressed her gratitude towards the state government for prize money of Rs 8 lakh for the preparation of the games. He said that in the future, she will work hard to bring laurels to the country and the state with zeal.
Reiterating Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's commitment to set up sports nurseries to groom Punjab sportspersons, the Sports Minister announced the setting up of Rowing and Archery sports nurseries in Mansa area. Sports Minister Meet Hayer also honoured Parneet Kaur, her father Avtar Singh, mother Jagmeet Kaur and coach Surinder Singh. Derabassi MLA Kuljit Singh Randhawa, Chief Minister's Field Officer Inder Pal on behalf of the district administration, Deputy Director Sports Parminder Singh Sidhu, District Sports Officer Gurdeep Kaur and a large number of sports lovers and players were also present.
On this occasion, the district administration had arranged a dholi (drum) and bhangra team to welcome this proud daughter of Punjab and as soon as she came out of the airport, she was welcomed at the beat of dhol and bhangra. The budding paleyrs of the district also came in large to welcome the Parneet with full enthusiasm.