Ignored hockey Olympian gets Rs 20 lakh prize

BROWN NONGMAITHEM

Imphal, August 28

 

Manipur government on Monday gave a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh to hockey Olympian Kothajit singh. Kothajit was a reserve player of Indian Hockey contingent in the recently concluded London Olympics 2012.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh who also holds the additional portfolio of Youth Affairs and Sports presented the cheque to Kothajit Singh in a function held in the state secretariat in Imphal.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that the government is happy to accord Olympian status to Kothajit Singh as he had qualified for the Indian Hockey team for London Olympics.

The chief minister also expressed his unhappiness for Kothajit’s exclusion in the reception ceremony of the London Olympics.

Manipur Olympic Association President Bijoy Koijam, YAS Director, Former Olympian and Manipur Hockey President Ksh. Thoiba and other officials of sports department were also present on the occasion.