The Union Sports Ministry on September 9 had extended their support to junior footballer Ramananda Ningthoujam. The Indian junior footballer is admitted to a hospital in Manipur. He is suffering from kidney problems along with a problem of blurred vision. Currently, he is at the Shija Hospital in Manipur.
Kiren Rijiju, taking notice of his serious medical condition sanctioned an ex-gratia financial assistance of Rs. 5 Lakh to the athlete. The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports sanctioned the financial assistance under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportsperson.
Ramananda is the eldest son of a rickshaw puller. His family does not have the means to provide him necessary treatments.
Ramananda was a member of the Indian U-17 team. He represented India in the U-17 Asian Football Soccer Championships in Guwahati in 2017. He was also a team member of the U-12 and U-13 National Junior Team in 2013 in Kalyani. Moreover, he was also a member of the U-15 National Championship in Delhi in 2015.
According to Rijiju, the welfare of Indian athletes is the primary concern for the Government. Ramananda represented India on various occasions and contributed to Indian sport. It is very important to provide the best facilities for Indian athletes. The athletes of India are not only national assets but are also national icons.
If necessary, the Government will provide more help to Ramananda.
Earlier, veteran sports commentator Novy Kapadia was also given financial assistance through the same Welfare fund.