Bishnupur: As part of the ongoing 1st Bishnupur District Olympic Games, 2026, Canoeing, Kayaking and Rowing competitions were held today at the Takmu Water Sports Complex, showcasing the talent and determination of young athletes from across the district.
Deputy Commissioner, Bishnupur, Pooja Elangbam, attended the event as the Chief Guest. She witnessed the competitions and later distributed prizes to the winners, congratulating them on their outstanding performances and encouraging them to continue striving for excellence.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the immense potential of Bishnupur in water sports owing to the presence of the iconic Loktak Lake. She stated that the district is naturally gifted with an ideal environment for disciplines such as canoeing, kayaking and rowing, giving the people living in and around the lake a unique advantage in developing their skills from an early age.
She encouraged the youth to take sports seriously, emphasizing that sports not only promote physical fitness and discipline but also help shape a brighter future by opening avenues for higher-level competitions, scholarships and career opportunities.
The Deputy Commissioner further remarked that district-level sporting events like the 1st Bishnupur District Olympic Games, 2026 play a vital role in identifying talented sportspersons at the grassroots level and nurturing them to compete on larger state, national and international platforms.
The canoeing, kayaking and rowing competitions which started yesterday witnessed enthusiastic participation from 62 athletes in open Man and Woman category. The event also featured Hiyang Tanaba, the traditional Manipuri boat race, which added a rich cultural dimension to the competition.
It may be mentioned that, as part of the 1st Bishnupur District Olympic Games, 2026, competitions in various sporting disciplines are being conducted simultaneously at different venues across the district. The Closing Ceremony of the Games will be held on 12th July, 2026, at Chengei Lampak, Moirang.
It is also appealed to all outstanding sportspersons and coaches from Bishnupur District who have represented India in international tournaments to submit their biodata to the Office of the Bishnupur District Olympic Association on or before 14th July, 2026. The information will be used for the preparation of the Souvenir to be published in connection with the ongoing 1st Bishnupur District Olympic Games, 2026.
