Gold medalists Mary Kom, Kothajit, Chinglensana accorded warm welcome
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 05 2014 : The first woman gold medalist of Manipur in Asian Games M.C Mary Kom, and Hockey players Khadangbam Kothajit and Chinglensana Kangujam who secured Gold medals in the recently concluded Incheon Asiad were given a warm reception at Imphal International Airport today afternoon.

Kothajit and Chinglensana, who were in Men's Hockey squad in the 17th Asian Games held in Incheon, South Korea, landed at Imphal Airport at around 2 pm today, while Gold Medalist in women's Boxing event Mary Kom arrived at around 4 pm.

As soon as the state players disembarked at the Airport, hundreds of fans who were awaiting the medalists at the premises of the Airport thronged the exit gate.

Officials of Manipur Police, Youth Affairs and Sports department, Sports Authority of India (SAI), and Manipur Amateur Boxing Association, Boxing coaches and players were among those who participated in the grand reception of Boxer Mary Kom.

Gold medalists Mary Kom, Kothajit, Chinglensana accorded warm welcome

Mary had defeated Kazakhastan's Zhaina Sherkerbekova in the flyweight (51 kg) summit clash on September 30 in a 2-0 evenly contested battle in which her opponent had the initial advantage.

Mary worked her strategy carefully and managed to dominate the game at the end.

Conveying gratitude to those present at the airport for extending her the warm welcome, Gold Medalist Mary Kom expressed regret at the injustice done to her colleague L.Sarita during the Asian Games final bout.

Saying such a moment might also come to her, triumphant Mary Kom appealed to the AIBA and other concerned federations to ensure that such things do not recur in future.

Being the first woman gold medal winner of Manipur in Asian games after state Boxer Ng.

Dingku had grasped the Gold medal in the Asian event in 1998, Mary Kom said she is eying for the Rio Olympic Games in 2016 .

A cultural Komrem dance was also showcased to welcome the international boxer in her home state.

On their arrival at Imphal Airport, Kothajit and Chinglensana were received by officials of Manipur Hockey led by its president Ksh.

Thoiba Singh, office bearers of Posterior Hockey Academy Manipur (PHAM), Hockey Union Khurai and MEIRA Club Bashikhong along with hundreds of fans.

The duo, who have been important members of the Indian Hockey squad, were garlanded with flowers and cash notes.

Talking to the media, Khadangbam Kothajit who secured a goal to equalize the score with opponent Pakistan team during the final match, said that preparations for the Rio Olympic Games have started now with the Indian team being qualified for the Olympics.

It may be mentioned here that Khadangbam Kothajit is presently employed at Indian Oil Corporation and Chinglensana Kangujam in the Indian Railways.