State to award suitable post to medallist Nilakanta
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 05 2021: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has announced that an appropriate government post will be awarded to hockey player Shanglakpam Nilakanta, who is part of the Indian Men's Hockey Team that won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 .

On Thursday, CM Biren had a video chat with Shanglakpam Nilakanta, wherein he congratulated the state's player on winning the bronze medal in men's hockey by defeating Germany.

Although it was assumed that the Indian team could win gold or silver medal, the bronze is not that bad, expressed the CM.

He then queried Nilakanta what he wanted, to which the hockey player proposed a job/post worthy of the medal and also related to the sports.

celebrations were held in full swing in Nilakanta's locality at Kontha Ahallup Makha Leikai

In response, the CM enquired about Nilakanta's present job in the Railways as senior ticket collector and assured of giving him a job appointment in the state government, in addition to the cash incentive of Rs 75 lakh announced already for bronze medal winners in Olympics.

Biren also expressed his elation on witnessing the Indian Hockey team winning a medal in the Olympics after 41 years and lauded the Men's Hockey Team for bringing glory to the country.

Meanwhile, Youth Affairs and Sports minister Letpao Haokip commended the Indian Men's Hockey Team for ending the 41-year-old medal drought of the country in the discipline of Hockey.

It would be nice to commemorate former hockey players of the state who have brought glory to the country, he said and urged the team to work hard and achieve more success in the next Games.

On the other hand, Manipur Hockey general secretary Seram Neken has urged for awarding a post not below the rank of DSP to Nilakanta Sharma.

In a statement, Neken said that the win by the Indian Men's Hockey.

Team is a proud moment for the country and conveyed congratulations to the team, especially Nilakanta Sharma, officials and members of Hockey India.

Nilakanta is a key player of the Indian team just as Sushila Chanu is in the Women's team.

He then wished Sushila to win the bronze medal in the match scheduled on Friday.

Manipur Hockey president Basudev Singh also extended congratulations to the Indian Men's Hockey team on winning the bronze medal, while further lauding the performance of Nilakanta in the Games.

Meanwhile, celebrations were held in full swing in Nilakanta's locality at Kontha Ahallup Makha Leikai on Thursday, as neighbours, local clubs, the young and the old came out to celebrate the Hockey Team's victory.

Speaking in this regard, Nilakanta's father Shanglakpam Inaocha recounted that his son had vowed to win a medal or he would not return home.

Although they were a bit apprehensive after the team lost some matches, they are now completely relieved after seeing the team win the bronze medal.

He then said that he is proud of his son's achievements.