IMPHAL, October 5: Manipur today received three of her stars who had all won golds in the recently concluded Icheon Asian Games.
Midfielder of the gold winning Indian hockey team Khadangbam Kothajit Singh of Lairikyengbam Leikai and his teammate Kangujam Chinglensana Singh of Bashikhong Wangkhei Loumanbi arrived first at the Imphal Airport followed soon by star pugilist and winner of gold medal in the 51 Kg women`™s category Mary Kom.
Kothajit was the star in the hockey final of the 17th Asian Games against arch-rival Pakistan after scoring the equaliser to level the score to 1-1. The match ended with India beating Pakistan 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out.
Friends, family members and officials, coaches and players of Manipur Hockey and supporters surrounded the stars on their arrival at the airport.
Kothajit said he was very happy on winning the gold; which had brought laurels not only to the country but to the State also, he added.
He further thanked his teammates, coaches, family and supporters for the warm reception accorded to him and his teammate.
On being asked about the coming Rio Olympics, Kothajit said it is still far off, and the team will be practicing.
Chinglensana said in the State practice grounds are open for just about an hour in a day, while in other States they are open 24 hours a day.
He said the Indian Hockey team will again start camping from October 15 with an eye for the Rio Olympics.
India`™s first woman to win a boxing gold medal in the Asian Games, Mary Kom landed at the Imphal Airport just minutes after the two hockey players.
The star pugilist was welcomed home by high ranking police officials, boxers of Sports Authority of India (SAI) NER, coaches, officials of YAS, Kom Students`™ Union. Imphal, KRBCA, Manipur and the Komrem Union, Manipur.
The Kom Cultural Dance Research Centre also performed a cultural dance at the airport as part of her reception.
Speaking to media persons, Mary Kom said she was very happy that the people of the State are welcoming her just like they had welcomed Dingku Singh who was the first Asian gold medalist in boxing from the State.
She said she will practice hard for the upcoming Olympic, but the important thing is to first get qualification.
Mary Kom further gave credit for her win to her former coaches and especially coach cum colleague Lelin Angom.
She also said that she supports Sarita and added that such incident should never occur to any sportsperson again.