Imphal: In a significant recognition of her sporting achievements, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, has recommended Olympic and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Mirabai Chanu for the prestigious Arjuna Award this year.
In a letter to Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Jadhav urged him to consider the celebrated weightlifter Mirabai Chanu from Manipur for the prestigious Arjuna Award, the country’s second-highest national sporting honour, citing her exceptional achievements and remarkable contribution to Indian weightlifting. The Minister noted that the athlete from Manipur has created history through her outstanding performances at the Commonwealth Games, bringing immense pride to the nation.
Minister Jadhav noted that Mirabai Chanu has already received several of the country’s highest sporting recognitions, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and the Padma Shri, in addition to winning an Olympic medal.
However, he said her childhood dream of receiving the Arjuna Award, nurtured since her early days of training in her village in Manipur, remains unfulfilled.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
The Minister also stated that honouring Mirabai Chanu with the Arjuna Award would be a fitting recognition of her outstanding performances, exceptional talent and invaluable contribution to Indian sport.
Chanu’s inspiring journey from a small village in Manipur to becoming one of India’s most accomplished weightlifters is a testament to her determination, perseverance and dedication, and serves as an inspiration to millions of young Indians, he added.
Also Read | Why Mirabai Chanu’s gold medal is a lesson in resilience