Encomiums continue to flow, Rs 50 lakh, 2 acres of land at Meitei Langol for Mary Kom
Assam Govt announces Rs 20 lakhs award
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 09, 2012:
Acknowledging the unparalleled achievement of MC Mary Kom in the London Olympics 2012, the Government of Manipur has announced a cash reward of Rs 50 lakhs.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has also announced that the Assam Government will extend a Rs 20 lakh award to Mary Kom.
Tarun Gogoi further said that if Mary Kom so desires, Assam would welcome her to set up a boxing academy there.
President Pranab Mukherjee has congratulated Mary Kom for winning a bronze medal in the London Olympics.
In his message to the famed boxer, the President of India said, "I am extremely delighted to know that you have won the bronze medal in women's boxing in the fly weight 51 Kg at the London Olympics.
This is a great achievement and should inspire women as well as sports persons throughout the Nation.
"I would like to extend to you my congratulations and best wishes for further success", the President added.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in a message to Kom, said: "Our medallists have done us proud during these Olympic Games.
I hope their achievements will spur a new generation of sportsmen".
India is hoping to garner more medals from its wrestlers, including Beijing bronze medallist Sushil Kumar, when the competition begins later on Thursday.
Lok Sabha MP Dr T Meinya has also congratulated Mary Kom for her fine showing at the Olympics.
In a message, the MP said, "You have made the country and all of us in Manipur really proud." The MP also extended his wish to the four other Olympians from Manipur.
Further the first ever Olympic medallist of the State is set to be promoted to the post of Additional SP in Manipur Police with the additional allotment of two acres of land at Meitei Langol village.
A Cabinet meeting held today noted the amazing feat of MC Mary Kom and observed that the famed pugilist has won unprecedented pride and glory for Manipur in the arena of sports.
Admiring the success of MC Mary Kom, Chief Minister O Ibobi described the Olympic bronze medal winner as a "truly outstanding sports person and daughter of Manipur who has brought befitting honour and glory to the State".
Notably, MC Mary Kom is the only sportsperson from the entire North East region to have ever won an Olympic medal.
She also holds the proud record of winning the World Boxing Championship title five times.
Hailing the success of Mary Kom, Home Minister Gaikhangam today said that the Government of Manipur has initiated official processes to promote her to the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police.
Interacting with news-persons at Congress Bhavan today, Gaikhangam described Mary Kom's performance in the Olympics as exhilarating and overwhelming.
Conceding that a gold medal from Mary Kom was expected, the Home Minister however said that Mary Kom eventually settling for the bronze medal is still an occasion to rejoice for all Indians in general and people of Manipur in particular.
Further stating that the diminutive boxer's gritty performance against taller and stronger opponents in the London Olympics provides renewed hope for sportspersons from Manipur to aim for more glory in the future, Gaikhangam said people of Manipur hope that Mary Kom continue to play and bring more laurels to the State.
The Minister also applauded male boxer Laishram Devendro for his lively performance in the quarter final bout against Paddy Barnes of Ireland, which the latter ultimately won.
On being questioned about Irungbam Irabanta, whose whereabouts remains unknown, Gaikhangam asserted that inspite of belated information provided to the Government all out efforts are being made to trace the contract supplier.
Confiding that law enforcing agents are vigorously pursuing the case, he also disclosed that inspite of suspicion some more evidence is needed to confirm Irabanta's abductors.