Manipur CM Honors Asian Games Hockey Gold Medalists

Celebrating Hockey Triumphs in Manipur

On October 13, in Imphal, Manipur, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh hosted a ceremony at the Chief Minister's Secretariat to honor three hockey players from Manipur who clinched gold medals at the 20th Asian Games 2026 held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The distinguished athletes include Sanglakpam Nilakanta Sharma from the men's team, along with Pukhrambam Sushila Chanu and Kharibam Bichu Devi from the women's team, as reported by the Manipur Chief Minister's Office.

During the event, Khemchand Singh remarked on the notable advancements in Indian hockey, highlighting that the gold medals won by both men's and women's teams at the recent Asian Games signify a remarkable enhancement in the sport's performance in India.

In response to the athletes' appeal for government job opportunities as recognition for their achievements, the Chief Minister encouraged them to submit their applications to the Director of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Addressing a suggestion from one of the players regarding the need for a comprehensive policy to support successful athletes in the state, Naorem Praveen Singh, Secretary of Youth Affairs and Sports, confirmed that a sports policy is currently being developed.

In a conversation with the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), the athletes expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome they received from Chief Minister Khemchand Singh.

One player noted that the Chief Minister's background as a Taekwondo practitioner allows him to better relate to the aspirations and needs of fellow athletes.

During the interview, the players encouraged the youth to chase their dreams relentlessly and urged parents to support their children's ambitions, emphasizing the importance of hard work and discipline for young athletes.