Manipur government has increased the cash reward of London Olympics bronze-winning boxer Mary Kom from Rs 50 lakhs to Rs 75 lakhs besides promoting her to the rank of Superintendent of Police (Sports). The decision to enhance cash reward of Mary Kom was taken during a Cabinet meeting last night presided over by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh,said official spokesperson Sumant Singh,who is also secretary to the CM. The four other sportspersons from Manipur who took part in London Olympics - L Devendro Singh (Boxing),L Bombayla Devi (Archery) and Ng Soniya Chanu (Weightlifting) - would also be given Rs 20 lakh each and also suitable government jobs according to their qualifications,he said. The government has already approved the allotment of 2 acres of land at Langol area for Mary Kom who has established an institute called 'Mary Kom Boxing Academy'. Official sources said other organisations and states which have announced award for the ace pugilist include Assam government (Rs 20 lakh),Arunachal Pradesh government (Rs 10 lakh),North Eastern Council (Rs 40 lakh) and the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs (Rs 10 lakh). Sources said a warm welcome also awaits Kom when she arrives home in the next few days.
