CM consoles Sushila as team misses bronze medal
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 06 2021: Although the Indian women's hockey team could not defeat Great Britain in Friday's match for bronze medal in the ongoing Tokyo Olympic Games 2020, Chief Minister N Biren made a video call to Manipur's Pukhrambam Sushila and consoled the player, while lauding her and the team's performance.

The CM also assured of providing her with a government post upon her return.

During the call to Sushila after the game, Biren praised her, while observing that there was some difficulty after the defence line was reduced to 10 players.

Nonetheless, the team's performance, particularly Sushila's was praised by the commentators, the CM recounted, while adding that he watched the game on his mobile phone as he is in New Delhi.

"PM Narendra Modi has renamed Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna to Dhyanchand Khel Ratna in joy after witnessing the Men's Hockey team winning a bronze medal after 41 years and the Women's team advancing till the final four", he said, while enquiring Sushila of any concerns.

In response, Sushila said that there have been many Olympian hockey players and as such, stressed the need for encouraging hockey players of Manipur regardless of their gender.

Often times, the performances are not up to par at the national level and thus, many do fail to get selected into the Indian team.

At present, there are Suman and Bichu in the junior group, she informed and urged the CM to help develop the sports in Manipur so as to encourage more players to come out from the state.

The CM then replied that as Ningombam Gyanendro of Manipur has been appointed the president of Hockey India, efforts are on to construct Astroturf fields in all districts of the state.

In addition, floodlight has been installed at the Hockey Stadium in Khuman Lampak, he conveyed, while stressing the need to set up playing fields in every locality.

Sushila then suggested bringing back former hockey players Chinglensana and Kothajit, who are working outside, to Manipur and working together to help develop the sport.

To this, CM Biren asked about the job locations of Konthajit and Sushila, who are currently working in Delhi and Central Railway, Mumbai respectively.

The CM then expressed dismay on seeing photographs of Sushila collecting tickets, on social media and assured of giving her a job appointment similar to the stature of her current post as Chief Ticket Inspector, if she wanted to return to Manipur.

Sushila responded positively, adding that she will work harder with all concerned to help guide the young and bring more glory and recognition to the state.

The CM then said that as he is currently in Delhi, he will organise a grand reception for Sushila once she returns to Imphal.

"Despite being from a small state, your performance has been exemplary", Biren said to Sushila, while mentioning the award of Rs 25 lakh along with possible creation of a post in the Sports Department, instead of in the police department.

Sushila then appreciated the prayers and wishes of the people of Manipur but expressed her regret in failing to bring back a medal.

In response, the CM consoled Sushila, adding that there are many chances in the future and that the country is proud of the team, the coaches and officials concerned.

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