Team Nishikant felicitates Padma Shri awardee Oinam Bembem
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 17 2021: Team Nishikant has felicitated Padma Shri awardee Oinam Bembem at Pishumthong Oinam Leikai Community Hall.

The felicitation ceremony was graced by owner of The Sangai Express Nishikant Singh Sapam, Yaiskul Shin-dam Shang former president Dr L Kokngang, Padma Shri Awardee Oinam Bembem and Federation of Haomee president Sapamcha Jadu-mani.

Speaking as the chief guest, Nishikant said that O Bembem is a woman of high sporting spirit.

Saying that sporting spirit is a rare quality which not every sports person possesses, Nishikant added that generosity is a must have attribute of every player.

Nishikant further stated that Bembem is the first Manipuri woman footballer to have played in a foreign club and she had represented India in various competitions/championships such as AFC qualifying competition, South Asian Games, SAFF Women's Championship.

Team Nishikant felicitates Padma Shri awardee Oinam Bembem

Considering her position, stature and achievement, she should be given a rank higher than the post of Inspector which she is currently holding, he opined and expressed his desire to do something for the celebrated footballer as a legislator.

Paraphrasing that Manipur is a sports powerhouse of India, Nishikant maintained that the only National Sports University of the country is also established in the State.

"Let's see how many Mirabais and Bembems the State can produce once the Sports University functions properly," he said.

Saying that Manipuris are innately talented, Nishikant stated that the State has all the potential to produce fine sportspersons with little focus on discipline.

Appealing to all the clubs and coaches to concentrate on producing good players, Nishikant assured of extending all possible help in the same endeavours.

Bembem also spoke at the event.

She said that she felt blessed to have been welcomed by Team Nishikant.

To a player, receiving even a pair of socks or one football from a donor is a blessing, she said and thanked Nishikant for donating uniforms for the State's National Senior Women Football team.

Bembem is also a recipient of the Arjuna Award.