Mirabai Chanu dedicates medal to people of Manipur
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, July 27 2021: Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu said that she could win the medal because of the support of her parents, family members, friends and blessings of her mentors and coaches.

"It was because of the prayers of the people of the country and Manipur that she could stand on the Olympic podium, she said during a reception programme organised by the government of Manipur at City Convention Centre, Palace Compound on Tuesday.

Mirabai also dedicated the medal to the people of Manipur.

Stating that her happiness knew no bound when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N Biren Singh made calls to her, the champion weightlifter said that it was like a dream talking to them after she won the medal.

She said that she worked so hard after failure in the Rio Olympics to achieve the feat.

The government of Manipur and people of the state on Tuesday accorded hero's welcome to Mirabai Chanu when she arrived at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport here around 1.45 pm.

Mirabai was received at the Airport by Chief Minister Biren along with Ministers, MLAs and large number of people.

Later, the State Youth Affairs and Sports Department organised a colourful reception function in her honour with CM Biren as chief guest, YAS Minister Letpao Haokip as president and deputy CM Y Joykumar Singh and Manipur Olympic Association president and MLA Th Radheshyam as guests of honour at City Convention Centre.

During the reception function, CM Biren presented Mirabai Chanu a cheque of Rs 1 crore along with the appointment order to the post of Additional Superintendent of Police (Sports) to the ace weightlifter as rewards to her outstanding achievement.

Biren also handed over an additional reward of Rs 10 lakh for setting the world record in clean and jerk in 49 kg category at the 30th Asian Weightlifting Championships held in April this year at Tashkent (Uzbekistan); while education minister S Rajen Singh rewarded her Rs 3 lakh for bringing laurels to the country and the state by clinching a silver medal.

In his speech, CM Biren expressed that Mirabai's triumph bears witness to the value of hard work and sincerity.

He revealed that Mirabai's silver medal win was witnessed by him while he was meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other union ministers in Shillong.

Expressing hope that Mirabai would continue working hard to achieve more success in future Games as well, the CM observed that her Silver Medal at Tokyo Olympics should be the stepping stone to more milestones.

He also encouraged her to work harder till she secures Olympic Gold Medal.

Stating that turnout of well-wishers could be more massive and the celebration could be more grandeur had there been no curfew imposed for containing the Covid-19 pandemic, Biren said that another grand reception in honour of all the five athletes of Tokyo Olympics of the state would be organised by the government when the Covid-19 pandemic situation normalizes.

Pointing out that the state has a sports policy to provide the much-needed support to talented sports persons, CM Biren expressed hope that the state would be able to produce more successful players once the National Sports University starts functioning in full swing.

He also announced that the state government would begin a scheme to provide annual financial grants to the associations of Olympic sports disciplines.

In addition, a weightlifting academy with all necessary amenities would be set up in the State very soon so as to groom many future Olympians, he conveyed.

Commenting on a photo circulating on social media of Mirabai collecting railway tickets, he expressed his dismay, adding that he previously could not have Mira-bai work in the state due to its financial circumstances.

However, as she had won a silver medal in the Olympics, the state considers it befitting to award her with a post in the state as a form of honouring her achievements.

Biren also appreciated Mi-rabai's coaches for training her to achieve this momentous success and assured of developing the existing gym of one the coaches, L Anita Chanu.

The CM then expressed belief that boxer MC Mary Kom will be able to secure a gold medal for the country and the state in the Games.

Stating that the government is well aware of the financial difficulties faced by those affiliated with the Manipur Olympic Association and Indian Olympic Association, Biren informed that a cabinet meeting has decided to allocate an annual grant in the budget for football and hockey associations.

He further informed that an agenda will be introduced in the next cabinet meeting to discuss allocation of a grant of Rs 2-3 lakh per year for sports associations and will also ensure that the same is passed.

Speaking on the occasion, YAS minister Letpao Haokip noted that Mirabai's success has once again testified to the world that Manipuris have the potential to stand tall in the world's biggest sports event against toughest opponents.

It is also an answer to all those who are against the idea of women empowerment, he added.

Games and Sports is embedded in Manipuri culture and the State is home to several traditional games, and there is no argument that Manipur is the sports capital of the country as stated by President of India Ramnath Kovind, Letpao said, while mentioning different sports infrastructures constructed by the present government.

Meanwhile, Th Radheshyam said that Mirabai brought laurels to the whole nation by dint of her hard work and determination.

Stating that there is no dearth of talents in Manipur, he observed that the state should focus on the sports disciplines, which are more suitable to the physique of the state natives.

Later, the Chief Minister along with the deputy CM, ministers and MLAs took Mirabai Chanu to her office located near 2nd MR Complex, and ushered her to the seat of Additional SP (Sports) .

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