Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh felicitated weightlifting star Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and other athletes who won medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow during a ceremony at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium in Imphal on August 22.
The programme also featured the distribution of government appointment letters to 71 gold medallists from the 36th and 37th National Games, underlining the state government’s focus on providing career opportunities to outstanding sportspersons.
Mirabai Chanu, an Olympic medallist, attended the ceremony after travelling to Imphal from her training base ahead of the Asian Games. She was honoured by the chief minister along with other Manipur athletes who represented India at the Glasgow Games.
Among those felicitated was Chanambam Rishikanta Singh, who won silver in the men’s 60kg weightlifting category and became Manipur’s first male international weightlifting medallist. Boxer Jadumani Singh, who secured silver in the 55kg category, and weightlifter Sorokhaibam Bindyarani Devi, who won bronze in the women’s 58kg category, were also honoured.
The state government announced cash rewards of Rs 20 lakh for gold medallists, Rs 15 lakh for silver medallists and Rs 10 lakh for bronze medallists, along with certificates of recognition. Other members of the Glasgow contingent received Rs 4 lakh each. Coaches accompanying the team were also felicitated for their contribution.
As part of the government’s employment initiative, Khemchand handed over appointment letters for Physical Education Teacher posts under the Youth Affairs and Sports Department to 71 gold medallists from the 36th and 37th National Games.
Appointment orders were also issued to four athletes under the Home Department, while three Asian Games medallists received appointments under the same department.
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand said Manipur’s sportspersons had continued to bring recognition to the state despite the difficulties faced in recent years. He also acknowledged the role of families and local sports clubs in supporting and developing athletes.
The chief minister, who has a background in taekwondo and holds a 5th Dan black belt, said the government would continue to strengthen support for sportspersons.
He also announced that the state Cabinet had cleared a new recruitment framework that will broaden government employment opportunities for athletes. Under the revised system, eligibility for government jobs, earlier limited to gold medallists, will also be extended to silver and bronze medallists.
Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho praised the achievements of Manipuri athletes, while Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel highlighted the state’s longstanding contribution to Indian sports and its record of producing international champions.
The event was organised by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and attended by MLAs, National Sports University Vice-Chancellor Daljit Singh Chawdhary, senior officials, coaches and sports enthusiasts.