Governor felicitates Commonwealth Games Gold medalists

Imphal, April 28, 2018 (DIPR): Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla felicitated the three Gold Medalists – World Boxer Smt. MC Mary Kom, Weightlifters Km. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and Km. Khumukcham Sanjita Chanu, today, at Raj Bhavan. It may be mentioned that MC Mary Kom bag the gold in boxing in 45-48 kg category whereas, Km. S. Mirabai Chanu and Km. Kh. Sanjita Chanu bags gold in weightlifting in the 48 kg Category and 53 kg category respectively, in the recently concluded Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, 2018 held in Australia.

Expressing her happiness, the Governor said that the three women have brought laurels to the state not only at national level but in the international level too. Stating that girls of the State have done very well, she said that they should trained more people to have a team of India to compete in the International events. She categorically said that people of the State have become famous in making sports equipments like the indigenous innovation of Modern Indian Round Take Down Bow by B. Chaoba Sharma and the credit goes to the people of the State.

The Governor also expressed that funds should be raised to save the Manipuri Pony, the special breed, as the future of the Manipuri Pony is a serious issue. The Governor said that the Central Government had a lot more to do for the State stating that she had urged the Union Minister of Sports to visit the State as the Sports University have started functioning and also seeks intervention of the Minister for smooth running of the University. Appreciating the initiative taken by Sports Minister Shri Letpao Haokip, she said that she had talked with the Union Sports Minister about the establishment of Football Academy which is very essential for the state.

Shri Letpao Haokip, Minister, Youth Affairs & Sports, and families of the gold medalist attended in the felicitation programme.

Earlier, Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla had an interaction with the students of St. Mary and Sajik Tampak Government Higher Secondary School located at Sajik Tampak, Chandel District. The students were on a visit to the State capital on a 2-day tour organised by 4^th Assam Rifles, Sajik Tampak, as part of an exposure tour. Altogether 28 students and 8 teachers are taking part in the exposure tour.