Tension is rising in Manipur’s sporting community as more than three dozen athletes from various disciplines have issued a stern warning: if the government fails to provide them with the jobs they were promised, they will return their hard-earned medals by the end of this month.
The athletes — medalists from the 36th National Games held in Gujarat and the 37th National Games in Goa — staged a protest in front of the Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports at Khuman Lampak. Displaying their medals, they accused the authorities of betraying the commitment made during the then popular government that assured suitable employment for National Games achievers.
Judo player Thokchom Athoiba, speaking on behalf of the group, said the athletes had brought honour and pride to Manipur through their performances in the 2022 and 2023 National Games. Despite this, he said, “no concrete steps have been taken” to fulfil the promised job appointments.
Athoiba warned that if the government does not initiate the necessary procedures immediately, the athletes will have no choice but to escalate their agitation.
Cyclist Chinglensana Thangsabam echoed the sentiment, stating that if the authorities remain unresponsive within this month, they are prepared to return their medals to the concerned officials as a sign of protest.
The athletes emphasised that their demand is not for favours but for the rightful assurance given to them — an assurance they say has been ignored even as Manipur remains under President’s Rule. Their protest serves as a powerful reminder of the state’s duty to uphold its commitments to those who bring it national pride.
