Hero’s welcome to Mirabai Chanu
Imphal, July 27 (UNI): Olympic silver medallist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu was accorded a hero’s welcome in Manipur as she landed at the Imphal international airport on Tuesday.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, ministers, MLAs, father Saikhom Kriti, mother Saikhom Ongbi Tombi and large numbers of people waited eagerly for the arrival of Chanu.
As she came out of the airport inspite of curfew due to Covid pandemic large numbers of people came out to have a glimpse of Chanu. The chief minister escorted her to the vehicle.
Chanu had to climb down from the vehicle and sit in front of the vehicle to wave to the people who were standing on the streets. It was a spectacular view from the airport to the city convention centre where a reception function was organised. People lined up on the entire stretch shouting slogans, playing drums.
Flowers were showered on her as she waved to the people waiting for her. Crackers were fired by the standers.
The chief minister handed over Rs 1 crore for winning silver, another Rs 10 lakh for creating a world record in clean and jerk and appointment order for additional SP, Sports, Manipur Police.
Chanu, who was overwhelmed by the reception, tried hard to hold back her tears as she thanked her parents for showing the beautiful world and supporting her.
She extended her gratitude to her first coaches the legendary weight lifter N Anita Chanu and Sanasam Brojen who guided her from the very beginning at the age of 12.