WAD, UNM-M hail state Olympians
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 09, 2012:
Women Action for Development (WAD) and Women's Committee United NGOs Mission-Manipur (UNM-M) have appreciated the 5 Olympians namely Mary Kom (Boxing), L Devendro (Boxing), Bombayla (Archery), Sonia (Weightlifting) and Kothajit (Hockey) who have participated in the London Games 2012 in different events despite many odds and instability faced in our state.
In a statement, Sobita Mangsatabam, Secretary of WAD and Co-convenor of Women's Committee UNM-M, said that the efforts and determination of MC Mary Kom in winning a bronze medal at the world's highest sporting arena of London Olympics 2012 is highly admired.
This bronze medal is Manipuri's first Olympic medal though the state has produced 13 Olympians so far.
Standing at a podium of Olympics from a prolonged conflict ridden state of Manipur means much more than just winning a medal but winning the hearts of millions.
MC Mary Kom not only made the state proud but also made the world recognize Manipuri women's mettle in all sports events including boxing.
Laishram Devendro too is a very bright promising and vibrant sport star who deserves our praise and encouragement.
Best wishes are with him in the next Olympics at Rio.
Even at the young age of 20, his aggressiveness in the bout was terrific and wins the hearts of millions.
Though he missed the medal, he made our state proud.
We, the people of Manipur are fortunate to be a part of Mary Kom and Laishram Devendro's territory that creates moments of pride in India, the statement said.
It also expressed sadness over the indifferent attitude of the State government and Indian Boxing Federation and observed that if Mary Kom and others were brought up in a country like Britain, it would be a different story.