Sports incentives hiked, Rs 3 lakhs for gold, Rs 5 lakhs for gold with record feats
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 07 2011: Along with hiking the incentives given to sports persons, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has announced that Rs 3 lakhs would be given for each gold medal won in the last National Games.

Speaking at a reception function held at Khuman Lampak main stadium in honour of the players who represented Manipur in the 34th National Games hosted by Jharkhand, Ibobi announced the revised rate of incentives to be given to sports persons of the State.

The revised rate would be given to sports persons starting from the players who represented Manipur in the Jharkhand National Games.

As per the newly revised rate of incentive, Rs 3 lakhs would be given for each gold medal won in the National Games, Rs 2 lakhs for silver medal and Rs one lakh for a bronze.

Players who won gold besides breaking Games record would be awarded with Rs 5 lakhs, Ibobi declared.

The CM acknowledging the performanced of players

For team events, Rs one lakh would be given to all members of the team which won gold.

Members of silver medal winning team would be given Rs 50,000 each and Rs 30,000 each for bronze medal.

Incentives given to coaches have also been increased.

Coaches whose wards claim gold medals would be given Rs 50, 000.For silver and bronze medals, coaches would be given Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi stated that the Government wished to give cash awards not less than those offered by States having rich resources.

"The only problem is we have many outstanding players but little resources.

That is why, the Government is unable to translate its wish into action", Ibobi regretted.

He admitted that lots remained to be done for development of sports in Manipur and also to properly train the players to their full potential.

The Chief Minister noted that other States have better sports equipment than Manipur.

Because of the gap in sports infrastructure and training facilities, Manipur players could not give their best in the 34th National Games.

Nevertheless, Manipur topped all other States in the medal tally because of their sheer talent and courage despite all the differences in infrastructure and training facilities.

The opening of a National Sports Academy in Manipur has testified that the talents of Manipuri players have been recognised by the country.

Manipur Olympic Association president MLA Bijoy Koijam, YAS Minister N Biren, Social Welfare Minister N Loken, Deputy Speaker Th Lokeshore and MANITRON Chairman Dr Ratankumar also attended the function.

The special trophy of the 34th National Games awarded to the Manipur contingent was handed over to MOA president Bijoy Koijam by the Chief Minister during the function.

Players who represented Manipur were also felicitated.