Eye Olympic medals: Governor, Chief Minister
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 11 2014 : Manipur Government today felicitated the medallists, participants and team officials from the state who participated and brought glory at the Incheon Asian Games.

The felicitation ceremony organised by YAS department was held at the Indoor Hall of the Khuman Lampak sports Compex, Imphal.

Governor of Manipur Dr KK Paul was the chief guest while Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh presided over the function while Deputy CM Gaikhangam, minister of PHED & president of Manipur Olympic Association, I Hemochandra and Parliamentary Secretary of YAS, M Prithiviraj were the guests of honour.

Cash incentives of Rs 15 lakhs each were given to the gold medal winners – Mary Kom in women boxing and K Kothajit and Chinglensana in man's hockey and Rs eight lakhs each to the bronze medallist – L Sarita in women boxing, Y Sanathoi Devi in wushu and Sushilla Chanu and Chan Chan Devi in woman's hockey.

All the other participants and officials received Rs two lakhs each.

felicitation ceremony at Khuman Lampak sports Compex, Imphal

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor lauded the medallists from the state in the recently concluded Incheon Asian Games for bringing glory not only to the state but to the whole nation.

He also congratulated other players from Manipur who had participated in the said Games saying that though they could not win any medal they are in a way ambassadors of our country.

He also expressed his happiness that 10 percent of the entire Asian Games contingent of the country belonged to Manipur.

He said that it is a big achievement and speaks volumes for the effort that has been made by the government of Manipur to encourage sports and sportspersons so that they find representation and it also speaks volumes for the hard works done by the youths of Manipur who have been able to meet the stiff challenge of selection.

The governor and the chief minister in the speeches encouraged the sportspersons to set their eyes on the Rio Olympics scheduled in 2016 .

In his speech, Chief Minister O Ibobi stated that Manipur has lived up again to its name given at the national level as 'the power house of sports person.' We are delighted that 57 of our players were part of the strong 516 playing contingent of India at the Incheon Asian Games, besides five officials.

He made a specific mention of the unfortunate manner in which boxer L Sarita lost her semi-final bout, and stated that the whole Manipur has come together and extended full support to her.

"I appreciate the maturity and sportsmanship shown by her on the issue.

For us, the people of Manipur, all the players are the valuable jewels; the people will extend fullest support to you all for higher achievement in the days to come at national and international level," he added.

He mentioned that medal winning performances by players from Manipur, in this Asian Games as well as Common Wealth Games, 2014 at Glasgow have improved compared to previous editions.

"This exceptional improvement by the players from Manipur has been possible because of the support extended by the players, coaches, local clubs, elders and whole populace of the state including the government's commitment towards sports in the state," the chief minister stated.