Hangzhou Asian Games bronze medallist Sunil Salam feted
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, October 17 2023: Sunil Salam who won a bronze medal for India at Hangzhou Asian Games Canoeing competition was accorded a warm felicitation today at Takmu Water Sports Complex, Boat House, Moirang.

The felicitation programme organised by Bishnupur District Canoeing and Kayaking Association was attended by Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam as chief guest, LDA Chairman M Asnikumar as functional president; Moirang AC MLA Th Shanti and Kumbi AC MLA S Premchandra as guests of honour.

DC Bishnupur, Lourembam Bikram, SP Bishnupur K Meghachandra, District Youth Affairs and Sports Officer Y Ibeyaima also among the dignitaries.

Speaking at the occasion, Govindas Konthoujam expressed happiness over the achievement of Sunil Salam, he maintained that preparation is afoot to procure new equipment and a sum of Rs 5 lakh is ready to be disbursed for revamping the water sports complex.

Expressing concern over the trend of bringing sports more into business, he said that finding exploits in sports should not be encouraged.

Even as State's expenditure on sports is big enough, a good fund management and reaching of benefit to sportspersons can surely impact and help sportspersons to grow, he said.

Hangzhou Games bronze medallist Sunil Salam said that it was through the people's blessing that he was able to win the bronze medal at such and important and major sporting event.

He may not have achieve the position he now has if there was no water sports complex here at Moirang, he said.

What is more delightful is that 7 paddlers who practise at the Moirang's facility made it to the 13-member National canoeing and Kayaking squad despite being a sub-standard facility, he added.

Sunil continued that he and his partner could have won a silver medal but had to settle for the bronze owing to his partner's lack of experience and immense pressure he had during the course of the competition.

He further said that he would strive for more better performance in the future competitions.

The Bishnupur District Canoeing and Kayaking Association not only feted Sunil Salam with citation and a shawl but also honoured the family members of other Asian Games participants with simple presents.

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