18 posts created for Olympians in YAS Dept: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 11 2021: Chief minister N Biren and education minister Sorokhaibam Rajen warmly received Hockey Olympians Nilakanta Sharma, who won bronze medal in the just concluded Tokyo Olympics, and Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, who was part of the Indian women's team, on their arrival at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport here on Wednesday.

The Olympians were accorded a rousing welcome by a large number of people who turned up at the airport.

Later, reception ceremonies were organised at their respective birth places by local denizens and well-wishers.

Speaking at the reception ceremony of Nilakanta Sharma organised by YCCIC at Kontha Ahallup, CM N Biren informed that the state cabinet in its recent meeting had created 18 posts and reserved the same for Olympians of the state in Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Department which include 10 posts of assistant director for participants, five posts of deputy director for medal winners and three posts of loint Director for gold medal winners at Olympic Games.

He also stated that a grand reception ceremony of the state's athletes, who participated at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, would be organised at the City Convention Centre this month and added that the respective cash rewards and job appointment orders for the remaining Olympians would be handed over to them on the occasion.

N Biren maintained that the government has sincere commitment towards developing games and sports as it takes a major role in instilling good discipline and manners among the youth.

As the government is putting in much effort to end the drug menace from the state, it is imperative to encourage the youth, make them feel interested in games and sports and divert their minds from getting addicted to intoxicating substances, he added.

Expressing happiness on the heroic performances and achievements of the state's athletes in the recent Tokyo Olympics, he stated that the young and talented Olympians would be a source of inspiration and motivation for the youth of the state.

He was also hopeful that the expertise of the Olympians would be an important input in training the younger generations.

On the other hand, Thangmeiband Youth Centre organised a reception ceremony in honour of Olympian Sushila at the centre.

Speaking at the ceremony, CM Biren informed that Pukhrambam Sushila will be given a post of officer in the sports department.

Even though India's women hockey team could not win medal at the Tokyo games, it is after decades that the team managed to enter semi-final.

Sushila should be praised and encouraged for her role in helping the team nearly bag the medal, he maintained, while informing that Manipur has produced 19 Olympians so far.

Meanwhile, Hockey India president N Gyanendro revealed that plans are afoot for constructing five-a-side hockey astro turf in all the 16 districts.

Pointing out that hockey is very suitable for Manipuri players, he urged parents to encourage their children play hockey.

As young players both male and female in hill districts are strong and have high stamina, the game would also be more suitable to them, he added.

The reception programme was also attended by forest minister Awangbow Newmai and education minister Sorokhaibam Rajen among others.

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