Imphal, March 21: The State Government has announced cash incentives to sportspersons of Manipur who are currently representing India in the ongoing Commonwealth Games at Melbourne in Australia.

The award presentation was officially declared by the Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam during a press briefing today in which he announced Rs 50,000 each to weightlifting gold medallists Nameirakpam Kunjarani Devi and Yumnam Renubala Chanu while Rs 40,000 is reserved for silver medal winner in the same discipline Laishram Monica Devi.

Affirming that similar cash amounts would be provided to other sportspersons of Manipur origin who win gold or silver in individual events, Govindas also added that prize amount of bronze medallists would be Rs 30,000.Irrespective of whether athletes from Manipur had made podium finishes in the eighteenth edition of the Games, all the participants would be extended cash incentives of Rs 25,000 each, the Minister informed.

In case of team event participants who secure gold the amount would be Rs 30,000 while silver medal winning team members will be lesser by Rs 5000 and Rs 20,000 for every member of third placed finishers in the team competitions compared to Rs 15,000 to all the participants, he added.

reacting to reports in some quarters of Renubala's elders doubting selection procedures of SAI, Imphal Centre whose alleged oversight had compelled the gold medal winner to shift allegiance to other State of the country the Minister said SAI being an autonomous body there is hardly any room for the State Government or individuals to intervene on the matter.

He nevertheless applauded the spirit, determination and most importantly hardwork of Renubala to excel in her chosen sports event and impressing national selectors by participating from her adopted State of Uttar Pradesh.

With many State products bringing glory and rich laurel to the country in international level competitions the Central officials concerned would be urged to efficiently groom talented sportspersons of Manipur with special attention, the Minister pledged.

The State Govt would also make special arrangement at a convenient date to accord overwhelming homecoming to the Commonwealth participants, added Govindas.

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