May 18, 2007	Friday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 01, 1428

KARACHI, May 17: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has set aside huge funds aimed at providing financial incentives to its medal winners of the 30th National Games which concluded here last month.

“The gold, silver and bronze medallists would receive Rs8,000, Rs6,000 and Rs5,000 for maximum two years or early in case they pass out a degree examination,” a top sports official of HEC said on Thursday.

He said the medallists would receive their remuneration with effect from May 2007.

The HEC amassed 13 medals – four golds, three silvers and six bronzes – at the biennial games.

“The remuneration would be increased provided a National Games medallist succeeds in securing yet another medal for HEC at the respective national championship,” Talat Khurshed, Director General Sports, HEC, told Dawn.

The official said plans are afoot to send promising men and women athletes to Bangkok for participation in couple of disciplines at the World Universities Games slated in August.

The National Games medal winners would be exempted from appearing in trials for the selection of Pakistan squad for Bangkok trip.

Meanwhile, a meeting to evaluate performance of HEC at the National Games was held at Lahore recently and applauded the efforts of athletes who won laurels.

The HEC returned empty-handed from the 29th National Games and securing of four gold medals speaks volumes.