Imphal, October 19: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi have handed over appointment order to second time boxing world champion MC Mary Kom and bronze medalist L Sarita Devi.

They were absorbed in the state police department at the rank of sub-inspector.

The appointment orders were handed over the two pugilists during a glittering reception function organized by Manipur youth affairs and sports department at Khuman Lampak main stadium today.

Apart from the job offer Mary Kom and Last Updated: 01:30 IST October 20, 2005 Sarita Devi also received a cash award of Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50,000 respectively.

The state government has so far appointed eight international players of the state to the rank of SI in the state police department excluding the two pugilists.

Chief Minister O Ibobi and youth affairs and sports minister Govindas Konthoujam graced the function as chief guest and president respectively.

Galaxies of fans, sportspersons, and inmates of SAI Imphal centre, MLAs, Manipur director general of police and other high ranking officials of different departments were also attended the function.

Family members and relatives of two pugilists, officials of Manipur Boxing Association took part in the reception function.

Speaking on the occasion Ibobi announced that Prime Minister Manmohon will lay the foundation stone of Manipur Sports Academy in November this year during Prime Minister�s proposed visit in the state.

The sports academy which will be institute with 40 crore was approved by Prime Minister during his one day visit in the state on November 20 last year.

Expressing extreme happiness on the appointment the two pugilists said the job will help in their future pursuit in the game.

In the third world women�s boxing meet at Podolsk near Moscow in Russia in October, Kom asserted her supremacy for the second consecutive year by clinching the gold medal in the 46-kg category.

The Arjuna awardee boxer defeated Jong Ok of North Korea in the final to win her second consecutive gold in the meet.

L Sarita won the bronze medal in the 54-kg category in the championship.

In the meantime, the National Identity Protection Committee, NIPCO has lauded state government�s decision to give jobs to the two international pugilists terming it as a positive move.

In a statement, the NIPCO said the Manipur government of late has come out to encourage players who brought laurels for Manipur as well as for the country.

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