Imphal: In a programme organized by State Level Chief Minister Indigenous Martial Arts Committee and Department of Youth Affairs and sports, Government of Manipur, Mats and equipments of indigenous Martial Arts were distributed today to many units and representatives of martial arts of the state at Indoor Stadium, Khuman Lampak- Sports Complex, Imphal.
On the occasion, Chief Minister N Biren Singh; Education, Fisheries & CADA Minister S Rajen Singh; Agriculture, Vety, A.H & Tourism Minister O Lukhoi Singh and MLA N Indrajit Singh attended as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively. Convener of the State Level Chief Minister Indigenous Martial Arts Committee and former Mister India Ksh Bhaktakumar was also seated on the dais.
Speaking at the function, the Chief Minister recalling the history of Manipur said that with “the help of martial arts our forefathers defended its territory from Awa and mighty British. Martial arts protected our freedom and we have a glorious history of 2000 years. To compete with other developed states of the country in the national level and with other countries in the international level, we really need to maintain a healthy and disciplined society through martial arts. So, it is right time to open more training centres of martial arts and groom many youths from every leikai, villages of hill and plain”, he added.
N. Biren Singh informed that in honour of the Olympians of Manipur, an Olympian park is coming up in Sangaithel and statues of 19 Olympians of the state will install and will try to give an excellent sports training at par with the best in the world.