GUWAHATI: In the realm of Indian sports, Manipur has consistently emerged as a fertile ground for nurturing extraordinary talent. This year, the spotlight is once again on the northeastern state as two of its athletes receive nominations for the prestigious Arjuna Award.
Sushila Chanu from the field of hockey and Roshibina Devi, the Asian Games silver medalist in wushu, both hailing from Manipur, have been nominated for Arjuna Award 2023, according to media reports. Among the 15 other nominees is Mohammed Shami, representing cricket.
The Arjuna Award, instituted in 1961, stands as India's second-highest sporting honour. It is bestowed upon athletes who have demonstrated consistent excellence at the international level over a period of four years, coupled with qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
The nomination process involves submissions from National Sports Federations, the Indian Olympic Association, the Sports Authority of India, and various other sports bodies. Past recipients of the award from Manipur include N. Kunjarani Devi (weightlifting, 1990), Ng. Dingku Singh (boxing, 1998), and M.C. Mary Kom (boxing, 2003).