Mirabai Chanu felicitated as Manipur CM unveils sports recruitment policy

Imphal, Aug 22 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday felicitated Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and other Manipuri medallists and participants of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 at a programme held at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal. He also distributed appointment letters to gold medallists of the 36th and 37th National Games.

Weightlifting gold medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, who returned to Imphal exclusively to attend the programme, was honoured along with silver medallist Chanambam Rishikanta Singh, the first male medallist in weightlifting from Manipur, Mayengbam Jadumani Singh, silver medallist in boxing, and Sorokhaibam Bindyarani Devi, bronze medallist in women’s weightlifting.

Gold medallists received Rs 20 lakh and a certificate of recognition, silver medallists Rs 15 lakh each, and bronze medallists Rs 10 lakh. Participants in the Glasgow Games received Rs 4 lakh each and a certificate. Coaches accompanying the athletes were also felicitated.

The Chief Minister handed over appointment letters to 71 National Games gold medallists for recruitment as Physical Education Teachers under the Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Department. Appointment letters were also given to four athletes under the Home Department and three Asian Games medallists under the same department.

Singh said sportspersons had brought a positive impression about Manipur after the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, contrasting with the state’s law and order concerns in recent years. He noted his own background as a 5 Dan Black Belt Taekwondo player and pioneer of Taekwondo in Northeast India.

He commended the role of local clubs, families and players in achieving success and announced a special recruitment policy for sportspersons formulated in a recent Cabinet meeting. Under this policy, silver and bronze medallists would also be considered for government jobs, not just gold medallists.

Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho said God and its youth blessed Manipur were excelling in sports to glorify the state. Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel expressed pride in honouring athletes who represented Manipur and India with distinction, noting the state’s strong sporting culture.

The Department of Youth Affairs & Sports organised the programme, which was attended by MLAs, Daljit Singh Chawdhary, Vice Chancellor of National Sports University, the Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, coaches and players.

–IANS

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