Wednesday, July 26 2006 13:00 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mohali (Punjab): The Punjab Government today announced a cash award of Rs 2.1 mn for shooter Abhinav Bindra who has created a record by becoming the first Indian ever to win a gold at a world championship.

"Bindra is the first Indian to record such an achievement at the world level. He has brought laurels to Punjabis. For his achievement the Government had decided to give him an award of Rs 2.1 mn," Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh told reporters on the sidelines of foundation stone laying ceremony of an integrated township project here.

The money would be handed over to the Chandigarh shooter at a function on August 6, he said.

Bindra won the gold medal in men's 10 m rifle en route to bagging the Olympic quota place at Zagreb in Croatia yesterday.