With Manipur set to go to polls on March 4, the Modi government made a desperate bid to reach out to the northeastern state as it felicitated the Rio Olympic atheletes on Tuesday, four days ahead of the polls. Six atheletes from Manipur had represented India at the Rio Olympics, while others like Dipa Karmakar hail from neighbouring Tripura.
Among those felicitated on Tuesday were Dipa Karmakar (gymnastics) , P.Sushila Chanu (hockey), H.Lal Ruatfeli (hockey), Bombayla Devi (archery), Chinglensan Singh (hockey) and Saikhom Mirabhai Chanu (weightlifting) among others.
The election fever was pretty much evident as minister for department of northeast region Jitendra Singh reminded Manipur of the poll promise of 2014, made by the Prime Minister, that the state will get its “own sports university”.
He said the centre has not been able to fulfil its promise so far because of inadequate cooperation from the Congress-led Ibobi singh government. However, he hoped that an elected BJP government in the state will be able to do so in the coming months.
"They are getting medals without any formal training. Dipa (Karmakar) was trained in front of me and it was a happy experience for me when I handled the ministry of sports while they were preparing for Rio. When they went for the Olympics, we saw them off and we were the heroes. But when they came back they were the heroes and heroines."
Singh said that during the initial training period, athletes like Dipa had to undergo training at home before coming to Delhi.
"So the thought behind the PM's decision was that if the players get institutionalised training, they will be able to do wonders and translate all the bronze to gold medals. But that plan has not yet taken off because of inadequate cooperation from the state government. I hope we will do this after March 11."
The Rio atheletes had gathered at North block for a ceremony they so deserved.
Excerpts of an interview with P.Sushila Chanu, captain of the Indian national hockey team:
- It is being alleged that the central government is reaching out to northeastern atheletes during the election season. The awards have been given to Rio atheletes four days before Manipur goes to polls .What is your view?
Whatever the government is doing for sports is good for us . For us, there is no relation between politics, elections and sports. We just have to focus on the game and play.
- What is the next big tournament you are preparing for?
The womens national hockey championship is scheduled for April. We are busy training for it in Bhopal .
- What were the challenges you faced during the Rio Olympics?
We had qualified in Rio after 36 years. It was a bit difficult because we had no experience and we were playing for the first time. So, when it happens again in 2020, we are preparing to give a good performance and reach the top.
- What is your message to the budding talents in the northeast?
We are from northeast and we are being appreciated, so we are very happy . We will continue to do our best. More people from the northeast will come ahead and bring us all a good name.
