Manipur Govt Announces Rs10 lakh For 'Magnificent Mary'

Imphal, Sep 20 : Manipur government today announced a cash prize of Rs10 lakh for star women boxer MC Mary Kom, who achieved a rare feat of five consecutive world titles in Bridgetown last week.

Manipur chief minister O Ibobi Singh announced the prize "in recognition of her (Mary Kom's) historic achievement," an official release said.

"A daughter of Manipur and sportsperson par excellence, Mary Kom has emerged as an epitome of inspiration and motivation of our youth today. Whole Manipur celebrates her achievement with indescribable joy," the release said.

Mary Kom is working as deputy superintendent of police in Manipur police department.

The 27-year-old mother-of-two clinched the fifth gold medal at the World Championships on September 18 by thrashing old foe Steluta Duta of Romania 16-6 in the light flyweight 48kg finals.

Dubbed 'Magnificent Mary' by the International Boxing Association for her historic feat, the diminutive counter-puncher is the only woman boxer to have clinched a medal in each of the six World Championships, starting with a silver in the inaugural edition in 2001.