CWG medalists feted with cash awards
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 12, 2014:
The sportspersons of the state who participated and grasped medals for the country in the 20th Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland from 23 July to 3 August last were felicitated with presentation of monetary awards at a function held at Indoor Stadium of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex here today.
Governor of Manipur VK Duggal and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi graced the felicitation programme as Chief Guest and President respectively, while President of MOA and PHE Minister I Hemochandra and Parliamentary Secretary of YAS M.Prithviraj attended as guests of honour of the function organized jointly by Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur and Manipur Olympic Association (MOA).
Speaking on the occasion, Governor VK Duggal called upon the people of the state particularly the sportspersons to try to strengthen the sports movement in the state, while maintaining that 'our contribution and achievements in the field of games and sports are second to none'.
Observing that various sports bodies enacted after statehood are working at their best level, VK Duggal also appreciated the 'Club Culture' in Manipur which is contributing to the achievements in the field of sports.
While lauding the 14 players from Manipur who either participated or won medals in the Commonwealth Games 2014, the Governor also emphasized that it is imperative to focus on events which suit the natural talents of our sportspersons.
He termed the achievers of Manipur in the fields of sports, art and culture as the 'jewels of the state'.
He appealed to all to constantly give encouragements to the 'jewels of Manipur' who not only glorify Manipur, but also brighten the whole country.
Referring to the proposed sports university, the Governor said the step of opening a sports university in Manipur has been taken in recognition of the achievements of our sportspersons.
Chief Minister O.Ibobi, who presided over the function, exalted that Manipur players contributed 8 medals to the Indian tally of 59 medals.
The state government has initiated works for development of sports infrastructure in district headquarters with funds from SPA, NLCPR, NEC and normal plan, Ibobi informed the gathering, while saying that this would help the sportspersons of Manipur to showcase their talents at the international levels.
The government is at present taking up improvement works in Khuman Lampak Sports complex with the central assistance of Rs.100 crore under the 13th Finance Commission, he continued and added that sports equipment costing Rs.6 crore have also been procured to replace the old equipment.
Informing that Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan scheme has been implemented in the state, O.Ibobi who is also taking the charge of Sports Minister, explained that the scheme covers provisions to construct outdoor play field and sports complexes with indoor halls for Boxing, Wrestling, table tennis, weightlifting etc.
in all block headquarters.
In the function, a cash award of Rs.15 lakhs was presented to Kh.
Sanjita who won the first gold medal of the country in women's weightlifting in 48 kg weight category, while Rs.10 lakhs each was given to Saikhom Mirabai (weighlifting), Laishram Devendro (Boxing), Laishram Sarita (Boxing), Kh Kothajit (Hockey) and K.Chinglensana (Hockey) who won silver medals during the games.
Cash awards of Rs.2 lakhs each was given to K Ramananda Sharma (Aquatics) and Sanasam Santikumar who participated as manager of Indian Gymnastic team at the CW Games.
However, Bronze medalist in Judo Thoudam Kalpana, Cyclist Yanglem Sunita, Hockey players P Shusila and Th Anuradha, Judo player Chongtham Jina and Huidrom Sunibala could not attend today's felicitation programme as they are under practice and screening for the Asian Games.
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