Srinagar, Aug. 11 -- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday presented cash awards totalling Rs 2.71 crore to outstanding sportspersons and international athletes from the Union territory.

Abdullah handed the cash awards to 22 outstanding athletes at a function held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) here, in which Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Satish Sharma, among others, was also present, an official press release informed.

The cash awards pertain to the years 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Addressing the gathering, the chief minister congratulated the awardees and said the cash awards marked the beginning of the government's efforts to provide greater support and encouragement to sporting talent in Jammu and Kash...