Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated that the State Government had been putting in the best possible efforts to develop sports infrastructure despite its limited resource. He made the statement while attending the reception ceremony of Judo Olympian Likmabam Sushila Chanu held at Heingang Marjing Lai Haraopham, Imphal East Wednesday.
The Chief Minister further informed that the Government had come up with a policy to give priority to those disciplines in which the players from the state could succeed and excel at the international level. He also informed that a grand reception of all five Olympians of the state who participated in Tokyo Olympics 2020 would be held on August 21 wherein cash rewards and job appointment orders would be handed over to them in honour of their achievements.
Stating that a society with people of good character, manners and mutual respect is a must for taking the state to its path of progress, he said that it is through the youth’s participation in games and sports that they can imbibe such characters. Expressing confidence that more athletes from the State would qualify for Paris Olympics 2024, he also encouraged Sushila to continue putting extra efforts into her training so that she could bag a gold medal in the next Olympic Games.
Regarding the announcement of the state Government’s reward to Tokyo Olympics Gold Medalist Neeraj Chopra of one crore rupees, N. Biren stated that Manipur being called as the powerhouse of Indian sports should also show respect and honour the achievements of players from other states to show that the Manipur is always in the forefront when it comes to games and sports.
Former Minister W. Jagor Singh, Director, Youth Affairs and Sports T. Phulen, Director, Tourism W. Ibohal, Chief Engineer, Minor Irrigation H. Brajendra and elected representatives of Local Bodies also attended the programme among others.
