Shillong May 3: A total of 17 International medallists of Jeet Kune Do and Kickboxing were felicitated at a function held at the Raj Bhavan here on Thursday.

Governor Ganga Prasad graced the occasion as Chief Guest in the presence of K N Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, M War, President of the Meghalaya State Olympic Association (MSOA), John F Kharshïing, officials of the Meghalaya Jeet Kune Do and Kickboxing Association and parents of the medallists.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor congratulated all the medallists for binging laurels to the state and the country as a whole through their performances in different platforms, both national and international.

In keeping with the National programme for development of sports, Khelo India, the Governor urged athletes to work hard and strive towards making India shine.

With the National Games 2022 close at hand, the Governor also encouraged the medallists to continue to work towards achieving a great result for the state in the games.

Earlier, Principal Secretary to the Governor congratulated the medallists and commended their parents for supporting their children in their sporting pursuits.

Terming the felicitation programme organised by the office of Raj Bhavan a small steps in the run up to the National Games 2022, Kumar stated that with proper support from Raj Bhavan and the State Government, much can be done for the upliftment of sports in the State.

The award carried a certificate and cash prize of Rs, 10, 000 each for Gold medalists, Rs. 7500 for Silver medalists and Rs. 5000 for Bronze medalists. During the programme the athletes also demonstrated a few basic exercises and techniques involved in Jeet Kune Do and Kickboxing.