July 27, 2021: Olympic silver medallist, weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu returned home to a superstar’s welcome. She is home after a gap of 2 years. Her mother embraced her with a glorious smile.

Mirabai reached Tulihan Imphal Airport by 1:45 pm today to a rousing welcome. Manipur CM N Biren Singh along with Youth Affair & Sport Minister Letpao Haokip was at the airport to receive her.

When Mirabai came out of the airport's arrival terminal, a stampede like situation occurred as well wishers and happy citizens of Manipur tried to congratulate her and get a glimpse of her. Despite curfew being in place, people thronged the airport. Firecrackers and people along the streets celebrating and cheering their hero was the scene on the streets of Imphal.

Later, a formal felicitation programme was also held at City Convention in Imphal's Palace Compound attended by Manipur CM N Biren Singh, Deputy CM Yumnam joykumar, Minister Biswarjit, Minister S Rajen, YAS minister Keypad Haokip, Manipur Olympic Association President and MLA Radheyshyam. During the felicitation, the Manipur CM officially handed over the appointment letter to Chanu as Addl SP (Sports) in Manipur Police and also handed over a cheque of Rs 1 Crore. The Youth Affairs & Sports Minister also handed over Rs 10 Lakh cheque for becoming the world record holder in clean & jerk and Rs 3 Lakh cheque was given by State Education Minister for her achievements.

Mirabai during the felicitation said she wanted to give credit for her success to the people of Manipur, her family and her coach who have trained her to reach this level. She also especially thanked PM Narendra Modi and the Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju for sending her to the US for training.

Manipur CM said that as she is still young, she should not leave weightlifting until she gets a Gold Medal for the nation and that is why she has been offered the post of ASP so that she can focus on her sport. The CM along with Deputy CM showed her office at 2nd Manipur Riffle located near North AOC.