chanu

Manipur government awarded Rs 20 lakh to Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, for her gold medal at the World Weightlifting Championships held in the USA, last year.

The champion weightlifter from the state, is the only second Indian to have achieved the feat after Karnam Malleswari.

Chief Minister Biren Singh said, “Efforts will be made so that sports persons based outside the state return, and bring laurels both for the country as well as for the state.”

Mirabai Chanu, is employed with the Indian Railways.

“As for Mirabai, a suitable offer will be given to her if she so desires, after consulting with sports bodies based in the state, to figure out what will be appropriate for her,” Biren said.

She appreciated the initiative of the State Government. “A lot of funds are required to excel at the global level. If proper attention is given to them, many players from the state can bring laurels for the country,” she said.