Four Manipur medallists in the Asian African Classic and Equipped Power Lifting and Benchpress Championship, 2023 from Manipur, who arrived at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport to a warm welcome on Sunday, have sought financial aid from the government to enable them to bring home more laurels for the state and the country.
The four medallists are Takhelchangbam Ibemhal Devi, Kirankumar Kangjam, Athokpam Rosy Chanu and Gaithutlung Panmei.
The championship, organised by The Hong Kong Weightlifting and Powerlifting Association Limited, was conducted from June 24-30 at Queen Elizabeth Stadium Arena, Hong Kong.
During the championship, Takhelchangbam Ibemhal Devi and Gaithutlung Panmei bagged three gold medals each in Master-3 and 53 kg sub-junior category respectively. They bagged gold in Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift in their respective categories.
Kirankumar Kangjam won gold in Bench Press (Master-3 category male) and Athokpam Rosy Chanu won silver in Bench Press (Master-3 category female).
One of the medallists told the media at Bir Tikendrajit International Airport that only four athletes were selected from Manipur and they bagged a total of 8 medals in different categories.
Stating that they went to the championship with their own expenses, they said that there are many potential athletes in the state but due to lack of financial support, many of them are unable to compete in such competitions.
Stating thus, the four medallists appealed to the concerned authorities to take necessary steps so that potential athletes can get necessary financial assistance in order to get more medals.
