Bhopal, Aug 29 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh government Friday announced jobs for sportspersons who have won the Vikram Award - a sports award instituted by the state government. Minister of State for Sports and Youth Welfare Tukojirao Puar made the announcement while addressing a function organised to felicitate the Olympic gold medallist, ace shooter Abhinav Bindra at Ravindra Bhawan in the evening.

Bindra was given a cheque of Rs.500,000 on behalf of the state government for winning the Gold Medal in the 10 m Air Rifle event at the Being Olympics. Additional chief secretary (sports) Ranjana Chaudhry and director (sSports) Sanjay Chaudhry confirmed the reward money being given to Bindra.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had announced the reward soon after Abhinav bagged the gold medal.

At the function, 10 Vikram, 11 Eklavya and three Vishwamitra awards were also given in addition to a lifetime achievement award to sportspersons of the state.

The Vikram Award carries Rs.50,000 and is given to three famous players of the state, while the Eklavya Award that carries Rs.25,000 is meant for upcoming sportspersons. The Vishwamitra Award and Lifetime Achievement Award are given to the best coach and a prominent player of the state respectively and both carries a cash reward of Rs.50,000.

Bindra expressed gratitude towards Madhya Pradesh government for inviting him to Bhopal and thanked residents for according him a warm welcome.

Earlier in the day, Bindra, who arrived here to a tumultuous welcome, expressed the hope that India would win more medals in the London Olympics 2012, as people of the country have begun to take interest in sports other than cricket.