Presenting the Shiv Chhatrapati and Dadoji Konddeo awards for excellence in sports at Dr Vasantrao Deshpande Hall here today, Alexander hoped that awakening is needed for better achievements.

Overall 99 Shiv Chhatrapati 85 players and 14 organisers and six Dadoji Konddeo awards were presented at the function, which was organised here after a gap of 24 years. The award carries Rs 25,000 cash, a memento and a citation.

Alexander said that the awards are a gesture of appreciation for what the awardees have achieved in enhancing State's prestige in the country.

The Chief Minister also said that the booklet on the awardees, which was distributed during the function, should also carry performances of the players.

Star cricketers, Abey Kuruvilla and SairajBahutule could not attend the function.