ROHTAK, Oct. 31 -- A medal may only take moments to be placed around an athlete's neck, but earning it demands a lifetime of dedication, Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Friday as he honoured 132 athletes with cash awards totalling Rs.189.3 crore for their performances at the Asian Games and Para Asian Games.

Addressing a state-level felicitation ceremony at Bhim Stadium in Bhiwani, Saini said behind every medal, there were years of training, sacrifices and the courage to rise again after defeat. The ceremony, he said, recognised not only the athletes' achievements but also the contributions of their parents, coaches, teachers and support staff.

Highlighting Haryana's contribution to India's sporting performance, the CM ...