Rio Olympians from north-east felicitated by Centre

To encourage the champions and other sportspersons from the region, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Development for Northeastern Region (DoNER ministry) came together to felicitate them.

Each sportsperson was presented with cash award of Rs. two lakh and a memento.

The sportspersons who were felicitated by the ministers at the function included Dipa Karmakar (Gymnastics), P. Sushila Chanu (Hockey- Women), H. Lal Ruatfeli (Hockey- Women), L. Bombayla Devi (Archery), K. Chinglensan Singh (Hockey- Men), K. Kothajit Singh (Hockey-Men) and Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting).

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju congratulated the players for earning name not only for the North East but for the country.

"When Olympic was going on in Rio we were very happy that we had a very strong contingent from India and we had a good numbers of players from the north-east region. This time we watched the Olympics very closely and followed the games despite busy schedule. They gave their heart out and performed with dedication. Winning and losing is a part of the game but participation in Olympics itself is a great opportunity and momentous for all the sportsperson," said Rijiju.

Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh said that the north-eastern Region is on a high priority for the Central Government.

"It is said that we should bring northeast closer to rest of India and I put up this question why not bring rest of India closer to Northeast because I have realised that there is much more to learn from NE for the rest of India. The NE youths are blessed with the natural talent and what is unique about it is that they are blessed with the talent and attribute to excel academically and at the same with the attribute to excel in physical activities," Jitendra Singh said.

Rijiju and Singh conveyed their best wishes to the players and said that the government is always there to help them and encourage them in their efforts.

The Members of Parliament from north-east regions and senior officers from Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region were also present on the occasion.