Picture Credit: Instagram
The state of Manipur had a rather grand welcome ready for Saikhom Mirabai Chanu who bagged a silver medal in the 49 kg women's category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This was when she arrived at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Imphal on Tuesday. Not only were her family members, friends and supporters ready to receive her at the airport, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh along with his cabinet colleagues, MLAs, officials also went there to receive her.
Soon after, Chanu attended a grand reception function organised by the Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports, Manipur at Imphal. Later, Manipur CM handed over a newly furnished office for the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Chanu, the post which she got as a reward for her incredible achievement. Singh, the CM of the state, also took to social media to share the information.
"I’m extremely delighted to handover the newly furnished office of Additional Superintendent of Police (Sports) to Mirabai Chanu in presence of her proud parents today. I was joined by my cabinet colleagues, Hon’ble MLAs and officials during the handing over ceremony," he captioned the video post.
Check out the video here:
CM also handed over a cheque of INR 1 crore and an appointment letter to Mirabai in the reception function where the star athlete's family and relatives were also present. Moreover, two of Mirabai's coaches, Anita and Brojen were also honoured at the function.
Villagers of Nongpok Kakching also hosted a reception
At the event, CM Biren assured that the Manipur state sports organisations of different sports disciplines affiliated to Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) will be getting financial aid regularly so that the state can continue to produce world class athletes likes Chanu.
Other than the reception organised by the state, villagers of Nongpok Kakching which happens to be Mirabai’s birthplace and neighbouring areas located in Lamlai Assembly Constituency also hosted an event for Mirabai. Meanwhile, it is also being reported that her home and the entire street which lead to it were illuminated by colourful lights at night on Tuesday.