IMPHAL, August 12: Felicitating the four players who were part of the Junior Women Hockey World Cup Bronze winning Indian team, state Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today handed over cheques of Rs 2 Lakh each to the four.
The four players include team captain Pukhrambam Sushila Chanu, daughter of P Shyamsunder Singh of Thangmeiband Hijam Dewan Leikai and her team mates Mayengbam Lily Chanu, daughter of M Naba Singh of Singjamei Wangma Kshetri Leikai; Ningombam Sanarik Chanu, daughter of N Hemchandra Meitei of Khongman Mayai Leikai Zone –IV and Thokchom Pinky Devi daughter of (L) Th Manglemba Singh of Koirou Thongju Part-II.
The simple function was held at the CM’s office chamber today and was attended by parliamentary secretary Mairenbam Prithviraj Singh along with other officials.
The CM expressed his hope that the money would be of help for the girls in buying their sports equipment.
Addressing the girls’ complaint that the felicitation could have been much more fulfilling if only their coach and Olympian Thoiba was also invited, the CM said when contacted, Thoiba had informed that he was in Jiribam and could not attend the same.
In reply to another call from the girls that there are several young hockey players in the state and it would be better for them if the government could allow them entry into the Khuman Lampak hockey stadium and be allowed to practice even if on holidays including Sundays, the CM replied he would look into the issue.
Clarifying on the delayed government reception of the four star hockey players, the CM said that the government is aware of the laurels brought by the talented players but there have been certain lapses in communication between the players’ association and the government side on the present issue.
The CM further expressed his happiness and pride over the achievement of the hockey players.