Laishram Ranbir
Manipuri swimmers Salam Jayenta and Laikhuram Lenin Singh who have clinched medals at the recently concluded Indo – Sri Lanka Invitational Masters Swimming Meet- 2016 which was held at Colombo, Sri Lanka from 2 – 6 March, were received warmly by sports lovers on their arrival here at Imphal International Airport today.
Representing India, Salam Jayenta of Kongba Kshetri Leikai and Laikhuram Lenin Singh, Kongba Khunou have participated at the international swimming meet in 50m/100m breast stroke event in between 30-39 years and 50m/100m back stroke, 100m breast stroke and 100m individual medley in 40-49 years category respectively.
The national team bagged 25 Gold, 8 Silver, 4 Bronze medals. Out of which, the duo Manipuri swimmers contributed 3 Gold, 4 Silver and a Bronze medal for the country. In the event Salam Jayenta bag a gold, silver and bronze medal each while, Laikhuram Lenin Singh won 2 gold and 3 silver medals.
On their arrival at the Imphal International Airport, sport lovers, friends and colleagues gave a rousing welcome to the champions.
Speaking to Imphal Times at the airport, they also expressed discontentment over the step motherly attitude of the state government to sportspersons.
The swimmers, who have brought laurels for the state and nation, said that they have not received any help and even encouragement from the side of the state government in their whole sporting career.
While urging the state government to extend possible help to sportspersons, the swimmers said that the World knows Manipur as the powerhouse of sports. They brought laurel to the nation. However, the state has lots of promising players, who are in need of financial and other supports from the side of government.
They also informed that their baggage were misplaced while arriving at Kolkata from the capital city of Sri Lanka- Colombo on March 7.
They also expressed displeasure over the recklessness of airport authority in securing the luggage of passengers.
