MP govt announces Rs 1 crore-reward to hockey player, part of India’s Olympic team

In a telephonic conversation with the two-time Olympian Mr Prasad, the chief minister said, ‘It was a good performance. The entire nation is happy with all of you. Congratulations to you and the entire team for this success. The Madhya Pradesh government will transfer Rs 1 crore to your account as a reward’.

The hockey player, a native of Itarsi in Narmadapuram district in Madhya Pradesh, was appointed as deputy superintendent of police (DSP) to honour him for being part of the Indian men’s hockey team that won bronze medal in the last Olympics at Tokyo.

“You are working as an honourable deputy superintendent of police (DSP), and now the state will reward you with Rs 1 crore”, the chief minister said.

Born in the village of Shivanagar Chandon, Mr Prasad was the youngest player ever to debut for India at 17 years, ten months and 22 days.

He used to practise hockey since his childhood and was often found practicing in a small corner near his house.

While playing at a local senior-level tournament in Akola in 2013, he grabbed the attention of Ashok Kumar, son of hockey legend Dhyan Chand and member of Indian men’s hockey team that won the world cup in 1975.

The talented midfielder was soon admitted to Ashok Kumar (field hockey) Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy in Bhopal to hone his skills.

In fact, his village got a fair weather road when he hogged the limelight for being the member of the Indian men’s hockey team that won bronze medal in 2020 Tokyo Olympics.