CM, Letpao lead in congratulating Nilakanta on hockey team winning
Bronze Champion to get Rs 75 lakh, Govt job
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 05 2021: Expressing his delight on India winning a bronze at Olympics after 41 years in hockey, Chief Minister N Biren Thursday promised a suitable Government job for Shanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma, the midfielder in Indian men's hockey team.

India beat Germany 5-4 in a nail biting third match game today to win the Bronze.

In a video chat with Nilakanta, the Chief Minister stated that Indian hockey team played exceptionally well to claim the Bronze medal at the ongoing Olympic Games.

N Biren also said that the State Government will reward him Rs 75 lakh as promised for securing the medal.

Stating that he expected a gold or silver from the men's National team, the Chief Minister continued that he, nonetheless, is proud of the team for their brilliant performance.

On being asked what he expects from the Government side, Nilakanta stated that he wants a State Government job related to sports, with the Chief Minister assuring that a job would be handed to him on his return to Manipur.

Nilakanta is a Senior Ticket Collector in Railways.

He is the second medallist from the State of the 2020 Olympics, after S Mirabai Chanu who won Silver in 49 kg women weightlifting event.

Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip also congratulated the men's National hockey team for securing a medal at the grandest sporting stage of all.

In a video release, Letpao Haokip said that India winning an Olympic medal after 4 decades in hockey is a moment of pride for every Indian.

He also expressed hope that India's hockey team would win gold in the next Olympic at Paris.

Saying that S Nilakanta, who plays midfield for the Indian team gave top class performance throughout the games, the Minister added that the State Government will present Rs 75 lakh to Nilakanta as announced.

Nilakanta is a resident of Kontha Ahallup Makha Leikai.

Meanwhile, people, in certain localities, celebrated the win at Tokyo by firing crackers and banging drums on streets with no sign of Covid appropriate behaviours at sight, the video of which went viral on social media.

President of Manipur Hockey, Ksh Basudev also congratulated the men's Indian hockey team on winning the bronze medal at Tokyo Olympics 2020 .

He urged the State Government to honour Nilakanta with a post not less than DSP.

It may further be mentioned that Indian women's hockey team, which has another athlete from Manipur Pukhrambam Sushila Chanu, is playing for a bronze medal against Great Britain on August 6 .

Sushila Chanu is representing India for the second time at the event.

She plays the halfback for the team.

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