Imphal, August 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday felicitated weightlifting champion Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and other Manipuri medallists and participants of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 at a ceremony in Imphal, while announcing a new recruitment policy aimed at providing government jobs to sportspersons.
The programme was held at the Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium, where the Chief Minister also distributed appointment letters to gold medallists of the 36th and 37th National Games.
Mirabai Chanu, who returned to Imphal specifically for the event, was honoured along with silver medallist Chanambam Rishikanta Singh, the first male weightlifting medallist from Manipur, boxing silver medallist Mayengbam Jadumani Singh and women’s weightlifting bronze medallist Sorokhaibam Bindyarani Devi.
Gold medallists were awarded Rs 20 lakh and certificates of recognition, while silver and bronze medallists received Rs 15 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, respectively. Athletes who participated in the Glasgow Games were given Rs 4 lakh each along with certificates. Their accompanying coaches were also felicitated.
Singh handed appointment letters to 71 National Games gold medallists for recruitment as Physical Education Teachers under the Youth Affairs and Sports Department. Four athletes were also given appointments under the Home Department, along with three Asian Games medallists under the same department.
The Chief Minister said the performance of Manipur’s sportspersons at the Glasgow Games had helped create a positive image of the state at a time when it had faced law-and-order concerns in recent years.
Recalling his own sporting background, Singh said he was a 5 Dan Black Belt Taekwondo player and had been among the pioneers of Taekwondo in Northeast India.
He praised the contribution of local clubs, families and athletes to Manipur’s sporting achievements and announced that the state Cabinet had recently approved a special recruitment policy for sportspersons.
Under the new policy, silver and bronze medallists will also be considered for government employment, expanding the existing focus beyond gold medallists.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho said Manipur’s youth had brought distinction to the state through their achievements in sports.
Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel also expressed pride in the athletes who had represented Manipur and India, highlighting the state’s strong sporting culture.
The programme was organised by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and attended by MLAs, Daljit Singh Chawdhary, Vice Chancellor of the National Sports University, officials of the Youth Affairs and Sports Department, coaches and players.
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