DMK, Cong give cash awards to Gomathi 

The 30-year-old Gomathi had clocked a personal best time of 02.70 seconds in the women’s 800m race held in Doha, Qatar on Monday to win the gold.

In order to recognise and encourage the achievements in the field of sports, DMK president MK Stalin announced Rs 10 lakh each to Gomathi and Rs 5 lakh to Arokya Rajiv, who bagged silver in the 4x400m mixed relay team in the championship.

“I extend my greetings and appreciation to Gomathi Marimuthu and Arokia Rajiv,” Stalin said in a statement. “The party’s incentive to the sportspersons was in recognition of their feat.” He wished the two to bring more laurels to the country.

TNCC President KS Alagiri said Gomathi had achieved the feat despite hailing from a poor background, through sheer hard work. “She has brought pride to the country and I appreciate her on behalf of TNCC. I wish she achieves more such honour and to encourage her a sum of Rs 5 lakh will be provided to her from the Tamil Nadu Congress Trust,” he said in a statement.