CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: In a grand celebration of athletic achievement, Lovely Professional University (LPU) awarded a remarkable Rs 2.5 crore in cash prizes to its students who represented India at the Paris Olympics. The event on campus welcomed 14 of the 24 Olympians, including wrestling star Vinesh Phogat and Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh.
Despite her disqualification by a mere 100 grams, LPU honored Vinesh Phogat with a cash prize of ₹25 lakh, affirming her status as a champion in the university’s eyes. Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal, Rajyasabha MP and Founder Chancellor of LPU hailed Vinesh as ‘Balali ki Jwalamukhi’ and announced a commitment to sponsor 100 promising female-athletes in her honor. In a notable addition to the university’s curriculum, Dr. Mittal also revealed the introduction of a dedicated chapter on Vinesh Phogat in LPU’s Physical Education program.
The ceremony coincided with National Sports Day, featuring vibrant performances and heartfelt tributes from fellow students. Olympians were celebrated with open-top bus parades, cultural performances, personalized artworks, and a stunning display from para-gliders showering flowers and tricolours on the athletes creating an inspiring atmosphere of camaraderie and pride.