India president Droupadi Murmu conferred Indian weightlifter Preetismita Bhoi and para-athlete Goldie Kumari with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for their exceptional sporting achievements at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Thursday.
Bhoi smashed the youth clean and jerk world record in the women’s 40kg category, earning a gold medal at the IWF World Youth Championships, earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Kumari from Harnaut village, Nalanda created history by clinching a gold medal in discus throw and bronze in javelin at the World Abilitysport Youth Games in Thailand.
The President congratulated all award winners and said that the entire country and the society is proud of them.
She told children that they have done extraordinary work, achieved amazing accomplishments, have limitless capabilities, and possess incomparable qualities. They have set an example for the children of the country.
The President said that providing opportunities and recognising children’s talents has been a part of our tradition. She emphasised that this tradition should be strengthened further.
She said that in the year 2047 when we will celebrate the centenary of India’s independence, these award winners will be enlightened citizens of the country. Such talented boys and girls will become the builders of a developed India.