Pratima, Pramila write rowing history for India

Orissa’s Pratima Puhana and Pramila Prava Minz wrote rowing history for India by becoming the first women of the country to wins medal in Asian Games. The duo claimed a bronze in the coxless pair event, clocking seven minutes and 47.50 seconds at Guangzhou, China today. Congratulations and cash incentives followed Pratima and Pramila with Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik accouncing cash incentive of Rs 3 lakhs each. Orissa Association for Rowing and Sculling (OARS) president Sangeet Singhdeo and secretary Binod Dash thanked the two rowers for making the state and the country proud with their achievement. They also thanked coach Jose Jacob for taking all pains to train these girls. Orissa Olympic Association secretary Asirbad Behera described the achievement of Pratima and Pramila as `glorious` and announced a reward of Rs 25,000 each for the duo. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PHOTO: Orissa rowers Pratima Puhana (Left) and Pramila Prava Minz celebrate after winning bronze medal in Asian Games in Guangzhou on November 19, 2010.