Imphal: Sanaroishingee Numit (Players’ Day) 2024 was celebrated at the Indoor Stadium, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex Sunday with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh as the Chief Guest. The celebration was organised by the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of Manipur.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated Mr. Maipak Sports Digital Experience Centre at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced to provision of Government jobs to all the Gold Medallists of the 36th and the 37th National Games held at Gujarat and Goa respectively. He further announced the appointment of Naorem Roshibina Devi, the Wushu player who won a silver medal in the 19th Asian Games, Hangzhou, China, as Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Regarding the Digital Experience Centre inaugurated Sunday, he stated that the centre would provide benefits to players in their practice. One can get information about successful sportspersons of the State and their achievements in the centre. Apart from this, the digital experience centre will also highlight information on various Government schemes taken up for the welfare of sportspersons, he added.
N. Biren informed that the Digital Experience Centre had been named after bodybuilder, Nongthombam Maipak Singh as a recognition of his achievements in the field of bodybuilding. He further stressed the need to honour and respect the achievements of our elders.
Elaborating schemes taken up for the welfare of sportspersons like Chief Minister’s Sportspersons Livelihood Guarantee Scheme, Khungang Ama Sanabung Ama and others, he asked players from the State to avail the benefit of the Sportspersons Livelihood Guarantee Scheme, which is a new initiative taken up to facilitate players in finding a way of life and means of livelihood.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam, while delivering his speech, stated that Sanaroishingee Numit is being observed on 25th February every year, to mark the historic achievement of Manipur in the 5th National Games held in 1999. Manipur became the overall Champion and bagged the Raja Bhalendra Singh Trophy, he added.
Appreciating Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for his concern and initiatives taken up for developing infrastructures in the field of games and sports, he recalled that 60 grounds would be developed across the State under the Khungang Ama Sanabung Ama as the first phase. He also highlighted the Chief Minister’s Sportspersons Livelihood Guarantee Scheme, adding that 1000 athletes would be covered in the first phase under the scheme.
The Minister maintained that the Government has been giving necessary financial assistance to players, despite the financial constraints the State is facing. He expressed hopefulness that the sports sector would further develop in the State under the guidance of the Chief Minister and many players would continue to bring laurels to the State.
During the programme, the Chief Minister presented cash incentives to players who had won medals in various national and international sports events in their respective disciplines. He also felicitated veteran players of the State.
Chairman, Manipur Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation Limited Kh. Ibomcha, MLA of Moirang AC Th. Shanti, MLA of Wangkhei AC Th. Arunkumar, Chief Secretary Dr. Vineet Joshi, Government officials, veteran sportspersons, coaches and athletes from different parts of the State attended the programme among others.
