UP announces Rs. 50 lakh award for shooter Jitu Rai

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav Saturday announced a cash award of Rs. 50 lakh for ace shooter Jitu Rai, who won a gold medal at the ongoing Incheon Asian Games.

A government spokesman said that the chief minister was happy that World No.5 Jitu Rai, who was from the state had emerged champion in the men's 50 metre pistol event to give India its first gold medal at the 17th Asian Games.

Rai, who won the World Championship silver medal earlier this month shot a total of 186.2 in what was a roller-coaster final round. He had fired 559 in the qualification round to finish seventh and make the cut for the finals.