State yet to honour disabled sportspersons
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 20 2012: Even as the Government of Manipur has been felicitating outstanding sportspersons from time to time, it has not yet learned to honour disabled sportspersons who have brought fame and laurels to the State.

Four disabled sportspersons from the State namely M Punsiba, W Pritam, Ch Abung and Jahao Doungel participated in the 13th Special Olympic World Summer Games held at Athens in June-July last year.

M Punsiba who competed in half-marathon won gold while W Pritam who was a member of the Indian handball team won silver.

The Indian soccer team of which Ch Abung and Jahao Doungel were members won the fifth position.

W Pritam and Ch Abung are inmates of the Mangal Special Home for Disabled located at Porompat which is being run by the Imphal Guardians Society under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

Speaking to media persons today Imphal Guardians Society secretary Ch Radhe said that W Pritam and Ch Abung are mentally challenged.

It was a matter of pride for the whole State that they won medals in the Special Olympic Games.

However, the State Government has not yet acknowledged their achievements.

W Pritam who won a silver at the Special Olympic

On the other hand, the Government of India feted their players who participated in the same Olympic Games by giving cash incentives of Rs five lakhs to each gold medal winner, Rs three lakhs to each silver medal winner, Rs two lakh to each bronze winner and Rs one lakh to each and every participant, Radhe said.

The Manipuri players took part in Special Olympic Games after they got selection at the State level followed by a national level selection trial.

It is really hard to look after mentally retarded individuals.

They are not in a position to accept Government jobs even if the Government offers them jobs.

They do not have any concept about money and its values but they too need money for living and their achievements should be acknowledged.

Of the three siblings of Pritam, two are mentally challenged.

In addition to being an excellent handball player, Pritam is also adept in making dolls and making garlands.

As majority of the mentally challenged persons are afflicted by the same disability by birth, there is very little chance of curing them.

It is the responsibility of the Homes (for disabled persons) to educate them at least up to Primary level and provide them vocational training besides teaching about the concepts of different things, Radhe said.

Pritam, now about 17 years old, cannot speak properly.

But he has talents as testified by his performance in the international sporting arena, Radhe added.