Govt assurance to medallists falls flat
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 05 2015 :
Even as the State Govt has promised incentives to medallists who brought laurels to the State in the 34th National Games, medal winning sports persons have alleged that no incentives have been given till date.
The 34th National Games was held at Ranchi, Jharkhand from Feb 12 to Feb 26, 2011 .
Manipur secured the second position in the medal tally with a total of 118 medals with 48 gold, 37 silver and 33 bronze medals.
Representative of the players, Nandeibam Roshan, a Wushu player, while addressing a press meet at Manipur Press Club said that it has been four years since the CM of the State had assured cash incentive to all the medal winners including record breaking players and coaches.
The Chief Minister promised cash incentive of Rs 3 lakh to gold medal winners in individual events, Rs 2 lakh to silver medallists and Rs 1 lakh to bronze medallists and Rs 5 lakh to record breaking players.
The Govt also reportedly assured to give Rs 1 lakh to gold medal winners in team event, Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000 to silver and bronze medal winners in team events.
Coaches were also promised Rs 50,000 .
Roshan further said that all the medallists had earlier consulted the Director of YAS, Y Ashokkumar, consultant to the Government RK Nimai Singh and Parliamentary Secretary Prithviraj but still there has not been any positive response.
The negligence of the State Govt has demoralized the spirit of the players, he added.
However, the CM assured the players to present their incentive awards before April on the Players Day celebration on February 25 which he had promised after the 34th National Games.
Till today there has been no response.
The players who took part in the press meet urged the State Govt to fulfil the promise it made to the players within one month.
They also warned of closing down Khuman Lampak Sports Complex if the Govt fails to meet their demand till the Govt gives a positive response.