Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Kohima, July 22 2009:
Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland and also president of the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) congratulates M C Mary Kom for being selected for the country's most prestigious sports award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.
Neiphiu Rio said that the four time women's world boxing champion is also a recipient of the Arjuna Award and the Padmashree and the first athlete from the North Eastern Region to be bestowed with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.
The Chief Minister of Nagaland observed that M C Mary Kom has been an inspirational athlete for not just the North Eastern Region but for the youth of the whole country.
Rio is of the view that the achievements of M C Mary Kom have encouraged the sportspersons of the country by showing that with dedication, hard work and discipline, every athlete has the scope to scale the highest standards of excellence.