Olympian Soniya appointed as DSP

IMPHAL: The state government has decided to appoint Olympic weightlifter Ngangbam Soniya Chanu as the deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and Commonwealth gold medalist in weightlifting Laishram Monika Devi as sub inspector in the police department.
The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who also holds the sports portfolio on Friday.
Sonia, who represented India in the recently concluded London Olympics, is currently serving as an inspector in Uttar Pradesh, while Monica is serving in the CRPF in New Delhi, sources said.
Ibobi Singh had announced that he would appoint Olympians and other excellent athletes of the state, serving in other states and the national capital to high posts in Manipur government departments, to ensure rapid sports development.
During a recent reception programme organized by the state government for the four state athletes, who took part in the London Olympics, the chief minister said Rs 100 crore, which is being sanctioned by the 13{+t}{+h} finance commission, will be utilized exclusively for sports in the state. Ibobi Singh also announced that foreign coaches would be appointed if necessary to groom state players.
After Mary Kom won a bronze in the London Olympics, the government, besides promoting her to the superintendent of police (sports), also donated three acres of land to her to upgrade her boxing academy.