CM announces Rs 10 lakh incentives for Mary Kom
State rise as one to hail Mary Kom
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 20 2010: The whole State has joined hands in congratulating the hero of the moment, MC Mary Kom, who won the World championship title for the record five times in succession yesterday a Budapest.

Leading the congralutations, Governor Gurbachan Jagat said that her achievement has brought pride not only to Manipur but also to the whole of India.

Her feat has also created a landmark in the annals of women's boxing.

Describing Mary as an icon, the Governor said that she is the source of inspiration to all youngsters and budding sportspersons and has demonstrated what hard work, dedication and commitment can achieve.

Yet another top podium finish for Mary Kom

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh to MC Mary Kom in recognition of her historic feat.

Mary (27) grabbed a historic fifth title in succession after beating her old rival Steluta Duta of Romania 16-6 in the final played at Barbados's capital of Bridgetown on Saturday night.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the 7th State Film Festival at the auditorium of MFDC, Palace Compound here this afternoon, Ibobi said his Government has decided to give Rs 10 lakh as incentive to Mary Kom.

Describing Mary Kom as the "daughter of Manipur and sportsperson par excellence', Ibobi said that Mary Kom is an epitome of inspiration and motivation to our youth today.

The whole Manipur joins in celebrating her achievement, he added.

Meanwhile, Onklar Kom, husband of Mary Kom, who is currently putting up at New Delhi to wait her arrival from Bridgetown said a fitting reception would be accorded to Mary by a multi-National corporation at a hotel there on Tuesday.

"We are informed that Lok Sabha MP Th Meinya and some VVIPs and hordes of sports lovers will join the reception," Onlear said while expressing gratitude on behalf of Mary towards Chief Minister Ibobi Singh for the Rs 10 lakh reward.

He said before arriving Imphal on Monday next, Mary will join a trial selection at New Delhi for the ensuing Asian Games.

"We are also informed that a reception committee has been formed in Manipur to felicitate Mary," Onlear added.

Mother of two twin sons, Mary is a Deputy Superintendent of Police under Manipur Government.

She is also the brand ambassador of the ensuing Commonwealth Games scheduled in October in New Delhi.

Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, N Biren has also joined in congratulating the record breaking boxer.

Extending his congratulations, the Minister said that not only was her achievement an exceptional record but she has raised hope and confidence of winning a medal at Olympics in 2012 .

The Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress and the Manipur Peoples' Party have also congratulated the stupendous achievement of Mary Kom.

A number of civil society organisations have also joined in congratulating Mary Kom, on her stupendous success at the pinnacle of world women's boxing.

On behalf of the Kuki people of Manipur, the Kuki Inpi, the apex body of the Kukis has congratulated MC Mary Kom on her record setting five consecutive gold medal at the women World Boxing Championship held at Bridgetown (Barbados) recently.

The Kuki Inpi has also urged both the State and Central Governments to give due recognition to the little champion who is a super sports star in every sense of the term.

It is unfortunate that her name does not go beyond the North East and mainland India generally does not recognise her stupendous feat, said Kuki Inpi and added that this has been the case with other sportspersons of the North East.