Itanagar, Feb 11 (IANS): Arunachal Pradesh Governor J.P. Rajkhowa has rewarded weightlifter Sambu Lapung Rs.10 lakh for winning the gold at the 12th South Asian Games (SAG) being held in Shillong and Guwahati, a Raj Bhavan statement said on Thursday.

Rajkhowa presented Lapung with a certificate of appreciation, a tribal Nyishi jacket and a bopia (headgear) besides the cheque of Rs.10 lakh on Wednesday.

"I am confident that you (Lapung) will win a medal in the Olympics for the country and it will be a proud moment for all the people of Arunachal Pradesh," the governor said while exhorting Lapung to excel further and bring more laurels to the state and country in future.

Rajkhowa also asked Advisor (Home and Political) B.D. Sharma to initiate steps recommending an out of turn promotion for Lapung, an Indian Army soldier.

Stating that sports talent is very high in Arunachal Pradesh, Rajkhowa said: "With proper training, guidance, support and direction, the state can produce large number of sport spersons of national and international standard."

The governor also directed the sports department to take immediate action to address the bottlenecks, including training halls etc. to strengthen the State Sports Authority.