This was stated by Governor Dr KK Paul while gracing the felicitation ceremony of participants of the 17th Asian Games 2014 organised by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt of Manipur and Manipur Olympic Association held today at Indoor Stadium, Khuman Lampak as the chief guest.
Governor Dr KK Paul said that it is common knowledge that Manipur has come to be known as the powerhouse of sports while underlining that there is still need to support the district and State level sports associations which have been playing a vital role in grooming talented sportspersons at the grassroots level.
The cash awards being given today should not be measured by its monetary value, the Governor said adding, "They come right from the feeling in our hearts of love and affection and with all our blessings."
He also reminded that the Govt of India has decided to establish a Sports University in Manipur largely due to the consistent high level performance of the State's athletes.
Exhorting the players, Dr KK Paul said there are bigger and tougher challenges ahead like the Rio Olympics. He also urged the sportspersons to work even harder and more sincerely so that they can compete with the best in the world.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister O Ibobi also said that sportspersons are valuable jewels of the people.
He said that the participation and winning of medals by players from Manipur in the recently concluded Asian Games as well as the latest edition of Commonwealth Games at Glasgow has improved compared to the previous editions.
O Ibobi also appreciated the maturity and sportsmanship displayed by boxer L Sarita Devi after the semi-final bout in the Incheon Asian Games.
He also acknowledged that the exceptional improvement by the players of the State has been possible due to support extended by the coaches, local clubs, elders and whole populace of the State including the Govt.
It may be mentioned that 57 players from the State were among the 516 contingent of India in the recently concluded Incheon Asian Games, 2014. Five officials from the State also accompanied the Indian contingent in different sporting fields.
Of the 57 players, seven of them won medals. Boxer MC Mary Kom, hockey players Kothajit Singh and N Chinglensana won the Gold medals. Boxer L Sarita Devi, Wushu player Y Sanathoi Devi and women hockey players P Sushila Chanu and Th Chan Chan Devi won Bronze medal.
A cash award of Rs 15 lakh was given to pugilist MC Mary Kom, 8 lakh each to bronze medalists boxer L Sarita Devi, hockey players Kh Kothajit Singh and N Chinglensana, Wushu player Y Sanathoi Devi, hockey players P Sushila Chanu and Th Chan Chan Devi. Cash award of Rs 2 lakh was also given to the participants, coaches and officials from Manipur.
Among others, the felicitation function today was attended by Dy CM Gaikhangam, PHED Minister I Hemochandra, Parliamentary Secretary (YAS) M Prithviraj and officials of the MOA.
Source: The Sangai Express
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