Energy major Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) felicitated its sportspersons who brought glory for India at the Incheon Asian Games. The 40-member strong ONGC contingent, which was part of the Indian Team, has brought home 13 medals that include 4 Gold, 1 Silver and 8 Bronze.

CMD along with other board members felicitated the medal winners and participants of Asian Games at New Delhi today. CMD ONGC Mr D K Sarraf, Director HR Mr D D Misra, Director (Onshore) Mr Ashok Varma, OSD (Exploration) Mr Anand Sahu and senior executives were present on the occasion. A ceremonial cake was cut on the occasion for which Mr sarraf invited the players to do the honours.

While felicitating the players here today, ONGC CMD Mr D K Sarraf said we have firm belief that ONGC sportspersons would certainly bring glory at the international level because of the talents they possess and hardwork they do.

“You have done well at the Commonwealth and the Asian Games and I hope you get at least two medals in the coming Olympics. We’ll support you in every possible way”, he said, “I was privileged to receive the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar from the President of India last month on behalf of all of you”, Mr Sarraf said emphasizing the contribution of players in getting the prestigious award.

Director HR Mr D D Misra congratulated all the players and expressed happiness that nine of the eighteen medal winners are women. He said that the laurels that ONGC sportspersons bring for the country is a matter of pride for ONGC.

CMD spoke to the players and asked earnestly of what more ONGC could do to help the players. Players echoed similar sentiment that the support that is provided by ONGC is unique and is a great source of inspiration. Shagun Chaudhary had this to say about ONGC, “All players of other companies are very jealous of us. The way ONGC facilitates us is exemplary”. 10 time world champion Pankaj Advani said that ONGC and its sports management team, headed by Mr V K Mahendru are pillars of strength for the players. “It shows in the medal tally”, he summed up.

The ONGC players lived up to their promise made to the CMD. When ONGC felicitated the winners of CWG 2014, CMD had taken a promise from the players that they will return atleast 10 medals from the Asian Games. ONGCians bettered this number by bringing 13. What’s interesting is that this year some sports like Cue sports and Chess were not part of Asian Games where ONGC has immense strength. Had these been part of this year’s games, ONGCians would have surely returned even greater numbers given the strength we possess in these games.

Here’s another interesting fact. Out of 517 strong Indian contingent, 40 players were ONGCians. However, of the total medal tally of 57 medals, 13 were brought by ONGCians. “ONGCians had a success rate of 33% as against 11% of the entire Indian contingent”, Mr V K Mahendru, Head Sports said during the function.

Silver medal winner in the women’s race walk event Khushbir Kaur was felicitated for her record setting performance. Mr Sarraf remarked at her achievement and said “I can barely do 6 km in an hour”, commending Khushbir for clocking a national record setting timing of 1:33:07.