IMPHAL, May 5: National Games medalists from the State have threatened to lock down the Khuman Lampak sports complex if the State government fails to materialise its earlier assurance to provide the medallists with cash incentives.
Speaking on behalf of the medallists at a press meet held today at Manipur Press Club, Nandeibam Roshan Meitei, a Wushu player, recalled that the Chief Minister announced the incentive award days before the sports delegation left for the 34th National Games at Jharkhand.
Roshan was flanked by other medalists of the 34th National Games during the press conference.
The government had assured cash incentives in different categories including individual event, team event and record holders, said Roshan adding that in the individual event any player who secured a gold medal was to be awarded Rs 3 lakh, silver medalists with Rs 2 lakh and bronze medalists with Rs 1 lakh each.
In the team event the players who win gold medal were assured of Rs 1 lakh each, Rs 50000 for silver, Rs 30000 for bronze medallist and Rs 5 lakhs for record holders, he continued.
Four years has lapsed since the 34th National Games was held during March in 2011, however, the players are left high and dry, lamented Roshan who was himself a gold medalist.
He further asserted that the medalists had apprised the concerned authorities including YAS director, Y Ashokumar; consultant to the State government RK Nimai Singh and parliamentary secretary Pithriviraj but to no avail.
Recently, the Chief Minister had again assured during the `Players Day`™ observation on February 25 to fulfill the earlier promise by the month of April, yet nothing positive has came forth, he added.
Instead of giving encouragement to the players the very act of the Government has not only demoralize the players, but it is also mentally harassing for the players, said Roshan.