Imphal: The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur, organized the National Sports Day 2026 at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal, today.
Hon’ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) and Home, Government of Manipur, Govindas Konthoujam, graced the event as the Chief Guest.
Earlier in the morning, Minister Govindas had flagged off a Half Marathon Race as part of the event from Khuman Lampak Sports Complex. The race covered a distance of approximately 21 km, with participants running up to Malom Oil Depot and returning to the starting point at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex. Floral tributes were also paid to Major Dhyan Chand inside the Hockey Stadium as part of the day’s main event.
Speaking as the Chief Guest of the function at the Hockey Stadium, Govindas Konthoujam stated that National Sports Day is observed every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary hockey player who brought immense glory to India by winning three Olympic gold medals in hockey. He noted that National Sports Day has been observed across the country since 2012 to honour the legendary sportsperson and promote the importance of sports and physical fitness.
He said that the observance aims to pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand while encouraging greater participation in sports, inspiring sportspersons to bring recognition and glory to the State, and motivating every citizen to remain physically fit and healthy.
Govindas Konthoujam highlighted that Khuman Lampak Sports Complex is one of the most prominent sports facilities in the country and emphasized the need to maintain and develop the complex with care and dedication, as it provides a platform for sportspersons, coaches and sporting events.
He further stated that the state’s Chief minister has been making continuous efforts to maintain and upgrade the sports facilities and equipment at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex to global standards. He called upon all concerned to extend their support and cooperation towards such efforts.
The Minister expressed hope that sportspersons from Manipur would continue to excel in various sporting disciplines, win more medals and bring greater recognition and glory not only to the State but also to the nation.
Delivering the keynote address, Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Manipur, Naorem Praveen Singh, stated that the National Sports Day celebration is a significant occasion, particularly in the context of the newly formulated Bharat Khel Neeti, 2025 and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
He said that these initiatives are aimed at bringing about a positive transformation in the lives of people by promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and active participation in sports and physical activities.
He said that the theme of this year’s National Sports Day observation focuses on encouraging everyone to participate in sports, remain physically fit, stay mentally strong and lead a healthy and active life.
Naorem Pravin Singh pointed out that around 65 per cent of India’s population is below the age of 35, making the youth one of the greatest strengths of the nation. He stressed that keeping the youth physically fit and encouraging them to actively participate in sports would contribute significantly to the progress and development of the country.
He expressed confidence that increased participation of young people in sports would enable India to win more medals in international sporting events. He also expressed hope that young sportspersons from Manipur would continue to excel, add to the State’s existing achievements and bring greater laurels to both Manipur and the nation.
Later in the evening, Men’s and Women’s Hockey Exhibition Matches were inaugurated by the Chief Guest at the Khuman Lampak Hockey Stadium as part of the National Sports Day observance.
The event was attended by Director Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mayengbam Veto Singh, officials of the department, sportspersons, coaches, athletes and other stakeholders.
