Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 01 2009:
AK Shyamkesho, gold medal winner of Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon 2009 was feted in a reception ceremony organised at YASTA ground, Thoubal Wangmataba today.
Khangabok A/C MLA O Landhoni Devi, Wangkhem A/C MLA K Meghachandra and 34 Assam Rifles Commandant Col SS Kartikeya graced the occasion as president, chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, O Landhoni assured the gathering to press the State Government to provide possible assistance to the ace runner.
She also urged upon the right thinking persons not to encroach on the playgrounds which are in their respective localities.
K Meghachandra while speaking in the function said that although it is not possible to provide jobs by State Government to every youths, sports have now become a means of getting employment for State youths.
As these outstanding sportspersons bring laurels to the country and State, they must be equally regarded like any academic gold medalist, he added.
Col Kartikeya said that despite the fact that Manipur is a very small State, 30 percent of the country's achievements in the field of sports are brought by the sportspersons of this tiny State.
Expressing pride and pleasure in Shayamkesho's achievement, Kartikeya asserted that sports have become the best way to bring National integration.
Various organisations and individuals feted the ace runner by presenting gifts in the function.
Later the gathering was further mesmerised by a musical programme organised in connection with the event.