Asem Bhakta Singh, Reporter North East
Imphal: In the realm of Indian sports, Manipur continues to be a prolific source of exceptional talent. This year’s Arjuna Award nominations highlight the outstanding contributions of two Manipuri athletes—Sushila Chanu (Hockey) and Roshibina Devi (Wushu), an Asian Games silver medalist.
A total of 15 athletes, including Mohammed Shami (Cricket), have been nominated for the prestigious Arjuna Award. Meanwhile, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award is reportedly set to be conferred upon the men’s doubles badminton team, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.
Established in 1961, the Arjuna Award is India’s second-highest sporting honor, recognizing athletes for consistent international performances over four years, coupled with qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
While the specific nominees from Manipur for the 2023 Arjuna Award are not explicitly mentioned, the state boasts a rich history of awardees in various sports, including weightlifting, boxing, hockey, and judo. Past recipients like N. Kunjarani Devi, Ng. Dingku Singh, and M.C. Mary Kom have not only brought glory to Manipur but also inspired future generations.
Manipur’s contribution to Indian sports is substantial, with 19 Olympians competing across five sports. This remarkable achievement underscores the region’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent. As the anticipation builds for the official announcement of the 2023 Arjuna Award recipients, the people of Manipur express palpable pride, recognizing the nomination as a testament to the hard work and perseverance of their athletes.
