State minister rewards hockey players for WHL performance
State minister for youth and sports Ahad Ali Sarker on Monday admitted international and local media coverage for cricket prompted him to hand out more rewards to cricketers than other sportsmen.
Sarker often appeared extremely generous while announcing cash awards for the cricketers as soon as they struck a century or a double century. Sometimes his announcements are declared before the end of a game, which earns him some criticism from many quarters.
He is however not as generous to other disciplines as he is to cricket, raising questions over his motive.
‘International and local media reserves extensive coverage for cricket and you (media) should find out the matter,’ Sarker told reporters during a programme at his office on Monday.
After the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle, national cricket captain Mushfiqur Rahim also accused him of just making an announcement of cash reward without making any effort to fulfill it.
Sarker, however, undertook a sincere effort to reward the national hockey players on Monday
when he handed over Tk 20, 000 to each player for their brilliant display in the World Hockey League (Round 2) in Delhi two months ago.
A total of 18 players, two coaches and two managers were awarded as Bangladesh overcame higher ranked teams like China, Oman and Fiji to finish third behind India and Ireland in their group.
Striker Rasel Mahmud Jimmy, the best player of the tournament and defender Mamunur Rahman Chayan, second highest scorer of the tournament were given an additional Tk 10, 000 each while coach Mahbub Harun was rewarded an additional Tk 20, 000 for his efforts.
Sarker said he would have liked to give more rewards to the hockey players if there were enough funds available. He also claimed to have an equal attitude for all sports.
‘I give attention to all disciplines equally. I think if we can increase the facilities, the hockey team can bring more glory for the nation,’ he said.
-With New Age input
