Imphal, Jan. 27 (EMN): A day after Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh congratulated Saikhom Mirabai Chanu on receiving the Padmashree Award 2018, Manipur government on Sat. handed over a cash award of INR 20 lakhs to weightlifter Mirabai Chanu.
Speaking during the brief cash award handing ceremony at the Chief Minister’s official secretariat here, Biren said the state government would like to offer a suitable job for Mirabai.
“So please discuss and let us know after proper consultation. Let’s see what the state government can do,” says Biren. “The state government will try to extend maximum help to the talented sportspersons and the entrepreneurs working in diverse fields outside the state if they want to work here.”
Saikhom Mirabai Chanu became the first Indian in over two decades to claim gold medal at the Senior World Weightlifting Championships on Nov. 30, 2017.
The Indian Railways employee, who lifted 85kg in snatch and 109kg in clean and jerk to total an impressive 194kg, became a world champion in the 48kg weight-category at the competition in Anaheim, USA in Nov. 2017.
The 23 year old weightlifter attending the day’s gathering opined that sportspersons in the state requires financial support to continue their respective sports disciplines.
“That’s why most of us went outside the state in search of jobs. If the state authority takes up the necessary steps, many talented sports persons will come out,” she felt.
In his congratulatory message on Fri, the chief minister said the whole state feels proud of Saikhom Mirabhai Chanu and Langpoklakpam Subadani Devi (a traditional weaver) on receiving one of the country’s highest civilian awards, Padmashree 2018.
