Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that his government has been supporting sportspersons and will continue to encourage them in future as well. He was speaking as the chief guest at the closing function of the 9th Yumnam Rashmani Memorial U-15 Boys and U-17 Girls 7-A Side Hockey Tournament – 2021 at Youth Club Cum Information Centre (YCCIC), Kontha Ahallup in Imphal East District Sunday.
Biren Singh said that understanding the inconvenience and hardships faced by retired sportspersons, the state government had launched a pension scheme for unemployed sportspersons and coaches of 60 years and above who have represented Manipur/India either in national or international tournaments.
The Chief Minister observed that it is because of the hard works of local clubs that Manipur has many established and renowned players. Yumnam Rashmani dedicated his life for the development of hockey, as such, a tournament is organised every year in his memory, he added. He announced that the hockey ground of YCCIC would be developed as a full-fledged astro turf hockey ground at the earliest.
Reiterating that there is no dearth of talents in Manipur, Biren Singh said that the state has rich talents not only in sports and culture but also in human resources. Recently, altogether 12 students had cracked NDA examination, he said and added that Manipur must be probably one of the states which have the highest number of Army officers as a ratio of its population. The Chief Minister further said that with the restoration of peace, people are now able to concentrate on their chosen professions and duties.
In the final matches played today, YCCIC, Kontha Ahallup trounced Hockey Union, Lairikyengbam Leikai 5-1 in the Boys’ Section and SYUC, Uchekon overpowered YCCIC, Kontha Ahallup 8-0 in the Girls’ Section. The tournament began on March 7, 2021.
Among others, Kshetrigao AC MLA, N Indrajit and Imphal East Adhyaksha, P Bimola Devi also attended the closing function as dignitaries.
