Imphal: Manipur Director General of Police Mukesh Singh has said the department is considering policy measures to provide greater recognition and support to sportspersons serving in the police force. The announcement came during a felicitation programme for Asian Games 2026 silver medallists Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and Naorem Roshibina Devi at Police Headquarters in Imphal.
Both athletes are serving in Manipur Police in sports-related posts. Chanu is an Additional SP (Sports), while Roshibina Devi serves as a Deputy SP (Sports). Each was presented with a cash reward of ₹1 lakh in recognition of their performances at the continental sporting event.
DGP Signals Greater Support for Police Sportspersons
Addressing the programme, DGP Mukesh Singh said the department was considering measures to recognise outstanding sporting achievements among its personnel.
The proposed policy direction focuses on creating greater institutional recognition for police personnel who excel in competitive sports. The intention is also to encourage athletes within the force to continue pursuing sporting excellence.
While details of the proposed policy have not yet been publicly specified, the DGP’s announcement indicates an effort to give sports a stronger place within the department.
Mirabai Chanu and Roshibina Devi Felicitated
The felicitation programme honoured two Manipur athletes following their silver-medal performances at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
Mirabai Chanu won silver in the women’s 49kg weightlifting event, while Naorem Roshibina Devi secured silver in the women’s 60kg sanda event in wushu.
Both athletes are associated with Manipur Police and hold sports-related positions within the department. Their achievements therefore brought together their roles in public service and competitive sport.
₹1 Lakh Cash Reward for Each Athlete
As part of the felicitation, Manipur Police presented ₹1 lakh each to Chanu and Roshibina Devi.
The recognition acknowledged their performances at the Asian Games and their contribution to Indian sport. The ceremony also highlighted the role of police organisations in supporting personnel who compete at high-level sporting events.
For athletes serving in government departments, such recognition can also highlight the possibility of pursuing competitive sport alongside a public-service career.
DGP Praises Dedication and Perseverance
Congratulating the two medal winners, DGP Mukesh Singh praised their dedication, perseverance and commitment to their respective disciplines.
He said their performances were a matter of pride for Manipur Police, the state and the country. Their success, he added, could inspire younger athletes to pursue sporting excellence.
The DGP also stressed the need to identify and nurture promising sporting talent and encourage young sportspersons to continue developing their abilities.
Athletes Share Their Asian Games Experiences
During an interaction with police officials, Mirabai Chanu and Naorem Roshibina Devi spoke about their sporting journeys, the challenges they had faced and their experiences at the Asian Games.
The interaction gave police personnel an opportunity to hear directly from athletes who have competed at the continental level. It also highlighted the discipline, preparation and persistence required to reach major international competitions.
Focus on Emerging Sporting Talent
The proposed policy measures place the spotlight not only on established medal winners but also on the need to support emerging athletes within the police force.
A structured approach to recognising sporting achievements could encourage more personnel to participate in competitive sports. It could also help the department identify promising athletes and provide them with greater institutional support.
However, the available information does not yet provide details of the proposed policy, such as eligibility criteria, financial incentives, training support or leave provisions. These details would need to be formally announced before being treated as confirmed features of the policy.
Sports and Public Service
The felicitation of Chanu and Roshibina highlights the connection between sports and public service in Manipur.
Both athletes have combined their careers in the police force with elite-level sporting competition. Their achievements provide examples of how government institutions can recognise sporting talent among their personnel.
For Manipur Police, the proposed policy direction could provide a framework for giving greater visibility and encouragement to athletes serving in the department.
If the proposed measures are formally adopted, they could also provide a stronger institutional pathway for emerging athletes seeking to compete at state, national and international levels.
