Office of the Manipur Students’ Association Delhi New Delhi
Ref: 20120816/PR/Olympic Felicitation
MSAD Felicitated Manipur Olympians – Press Release
The Manipur Students’ Association Delhi today, 14th August 2012 organised Felicitations to Manipur Olympians who had participated in the London Olympics 2012 namely; MC Mary Kom (Boxing), L Bombayla (Archery), Ng Soniya (Weightlifting), Kh Kothajit (Hockey) and L Devendra (Boxing). The programme was held at Open Air Theatre, Arts Faculty, University of Delhi.
In the wee hour of the morning a team of MSAD had waited at the IGI international airport with placards and bouquets for the Manipur Olympians. Amidst thousands of overcrowding fans welcoming and cherishing Mary and tight security, our student team could manage to present bouquets to Mary. But we are sorry for the miscommunication and failure to felicitate those Olympians who had returned from London much before the schedule expectation. Mary could not attend our programme today due to tight schedule already fixed in advance. Technically Devendro alone could attend the programme.
The programme although organised at the eleventh hour and disturbed by rain was attended by more than hundred students. President of MSAD Makakmayum Safikul, president of Aimol Students’ Delhi Chongom Arom, and PD Allen Chiru shared the dais. Secreatary of Kangleicha Sannaroi Lup Sinthoiba Elangbam, MSAD advisor Chinglenkhomba and Krispa Ningombam, former gen secy. MSAD RK Sanayaima, Subroto from Assam and many others spoke and encouraged Devendro to continue with his spirit and aggressive sportsmanship. Devendro’s brief speech about his experience in the London Olympics was followed by questions and interactions. Jayanta and N. Swamio presented personal gifts to Devendro. Advocate Chaninggai @ Wilson donated money to bear the cost of taxi fare for Devendro to attend the programme.
MSAD believes that Manipur did not lack talent in various fields. Manipur is excelling in several fronts despite all the obstacles and economic backwardness created by bad governance. Sport is one of the sectors that enshrine Manipur in other parts of the Indian sub-continent despite social discrimination and institutionalised neglect for possessing mongoloid physical features and looks. Our sportspersons have made us proud! Some of our Olympians have failed to secure medal, but they have the spirit to contest by putting efforts several times more than those players with adequate facilities and support. We, therefore, felicitate all our Olympians in equal manner instead of following the Indian mentality of cherishing only those who win medal. MSAD is committed to encourage sportspersons of Manipur.
Sd/-
Thoi Thoi Kongkham
General Secretary
Manipur Students’ Association Delhi
14th August 2012
Photos from the event:
