Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh felicitated weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and other athletes who represented India at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, 2026, at a ceremony held at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium on Tuesday.
Prize money hikes and certificates for medallists
The state government enhanced financial incentives for Glasgow medallists and participants, the Chief Minister announced at the event. Cash awards and certificates were distributed to the medal-winning athletes and participants to acknowledge their performances for the State and the country.
- Gold medallist: cash award of ₹20 lakh plus a certificate of recognition.
- Silver medallists: cash award of ₹15 lakh each with a certificate.
- Bronze medallist: cash award of ₹10 lakh and a certificate.
- Participants: ₹4 lakh each and a certificate.
| Award | Cash reward | Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | ₹20 lakh | Certificate |
| Silver | ₹15 lakh | Certificate |
| Bronze | ₹10 lakh | Certificate |
| Participant | ₹4 lakh | Certificate |
Honours, appointments and coaching recognition
Singh personally felicitated Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, who returned to Imphal solely to attend the function while she prepares for the upcoming Asian Games, according to the state government account of the event. Also honoured were weightlifter Chanambam Rishikanta Singh, who won silver in the 60 kg category and is the first male weightlifting medallist from Manipur at the international level, Mayengbam Jadumani Singh, silver medallist in the 55 kg boxing category, and Sorokhaibam Bindyarani Devi, bronze medallist in the women’s 58 kg weightlifting category.
The Chief Minister also recognised the coaches who accompanied the contingent to Glasgow and extended the enhanced prize structure to further motivate athletes, the statement said.
"It was the sportspersons who brought positive impression about the State after the Glasgow Commonwealth Games," the Chief Minister said.
Employment for National Games gold medallists
In addition to cash awards, Singh handed over appointment letters to 71 gold medallists from the 36th and 37th National Games for appointment as Physical Education Teachers under the Youth Affairs and Sports Department. Appointment letters were also issued to four athletes under the Home Department, and to three Asian Games medallists under the Home Department, the government account added.
Issuing government appointments to successful sportspersons is an established practice in several Indian states; the move aims to provide long-term livelihood security while retaining sports expertise within public institutions such as schools and local training centres. The appointments to the Youth Affairs and Sports Department are for the role of Physical Education Teacher, the statement specified.
Local impact and context
The event sought to shift public focus in the aftermath of national attention on Manipur's law-and-order situation. The Chief Minister said the athletes' performances generated a favourable perception of the State across the country, representing a different narrative from recent headlines, according to the official account.
For the athletes, the financial awards and government jobs carry immediate and medium-term benefits: the cash grants provide support for training, equipment and travel, while the appointments offer stable employment and a platform to mentor younger sportspersons in schools and communities.
No further details were provided in the government release about the terms of the appointments, such as probation periods, salary scales or posting locations. Those appointed will be under the administrative oversight of the respective departments named on their letters.
The ceremony at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium brought together medal winners, participants, coaches and state officials to acknowledge the contingent that represented India at Glasgow. Officials said the prize enhancement for Commonwealth Games achievers was part of the State’s effort to encourage sports participation and reward success on national and international stages.
