ITANAGAR, Sept 27: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema
Khandu on Wednesday assured that the three Wushu players of
the state, who could not participate in the Asian Games at
Hangzou in China, will be treated as participants of the Indian
Wushu team and given Rs 20 lakh incentive as per the state’s
sports policy.
The three players could not participate in the sporting event
due to denial of visa by the neighbouring country.
The three Wushu players — Onilu Tega, Nyeman Wangsu and
Mepung Lamgu — along with sports and youth affairs minister
Mama Natung, their coach Maibam Premchandra Singh, sports
secretary Abu Tayeng, officials of the Arunachal Olympic
Association and Arunachal Wushu Association had called on
Khandu at his office, a CMO communiqué said.
Stating that the three athletes were the first from Arunachal
Pradesh to qualify for the Asian Games but had to miss the
prestigious event for no fault of theirs, Khandu said they will
receive the cash incentive of Rs 20 lakh each in accordance with
the state’s sports policy for an athlete participating in the Asian
Games.
He also said coach Maibam Premchandra Singh would also
receive his share of 10 per cent of the incentives awarded to
the athletes.
Interacting with the young Wushu players, Khandu encouraged
them to train harder and focus on the 2026 Asian Games
scheduled to be held in Tokyo, Japan.
“As true sportspersons, you are not supposed to get
disheartened but prepare harder for the next tournament. You
might have lost this chance to show your talent, but for us you
are heroes and medal winners,” he said.
He also asked them not to worry about their future as the
state’s sports policy provides for a government job to excelling
sportspersons.
“You need not worry. You are very young now. As and when
the time comes, you will get a job with the government,” he
added.
Encouraging them to concentrate on their training, the chief
minister assured them that all expenses of their training,
dietary requirements, etc will be borne by the state
government keeping in mind the Tokyo Asian Games.
Wushu is yet to be included as an event in the Olympics.
He commended the Arunachal Olympic Association and
Arunachal Wushu Association for initiating to take up the
stapled visa issue with the Indian Olympic Association at the
highest level and assured support of the state government.
The three athletes expressed gratitude to the chief minister and
people of the state for their overwhelming support in the face
of disappointment for not being able to compete in the Asian
Games for which they had prepared for years.
“But we are determined. We will prepare harder for the 2026
Asian Games and leave no stone unturned to win medals for
our country and make Arunachal Pradesh proud,” they said.
“Representing India on the international stage and contributing
through sports for the country and state by winning medals has
always been and always will be our cherished dream,” they
added. (PTI)
