MPCC also presented a cash incentive of Rs 5 lakh to the ace weightlifter in recognition of her stupendous performance at the Tokyo games in 49 Kg category of weightlifting.
TFM Report
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Wednesday felicitated Tokyo Olympics 2020 silver medalist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and accorded the title of “The great daughter of India from Manipur”.
A simple function was held at the premises of Ibudhou Khamlangba, a Meitei deity, near Mirabai’s house at Nongpok Kakching. The MPCC also presented a cash incentive of Rs 5 lakh to the ace weightlifter in recognition of her stupendous performance at the Tokyo Games in 49 Kg category of weightlifting.
Mirabai Chanu showed gratitude to the love and affection that the people of the state have showered since she landed on Tuesday. She recalled how she sacrificed the last five years to achieve her goal. She also appealed for moral support, stating that she is aiming to clinch gold in the next Olympic games to be held in Paris, 2023.
People in mainland India, she said, usually do not know where Manipur is. So, I always thought of bringing laurels and showcasing my state to the world, she added.
Congress Legislature Party leader and former chief minister O Ibobi Singh, speaking at the function, maintained that the felicitation programme was an apolitical one and no one should try to do politics in sports.
MPCC president, MLA Loken exhorted that one should strive to perform certain activities that will echo for generations to come. Everything else, he said, will be gone one dies. Thanks to Mirabai Chanu, Nongpok Kakching will be known by all now. Mirabai’s feat has cemented Manipur as the powerhouse of sports, he added.
In a moving speech that saw many amongst the gathering moved to tears, MLA Meghachandra recalled how truck drivers used to wake Mirabai Chanu and take her to her training centre at Khuman Lampak sports complex during her struggling years. Mirabai has shown that hard work and determination can achieve anything, he added.
Congress Working Committee member MLA Gaikhangam presented Mirabai with a Kajenglei, a traditional headgear worn by Meitei women. Other leaders including MLA Ak Mirabai, MLA TN Haokip, MLA Chaltolian Amo, MLA Fajur Rahim, amongst others also presented the ace weightlifter with traditional shawls and Lengyan-fi.