Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh opened the Residential Academy of Kuki Football Academy (KFA) Saturday at its campus at Keithelmanbi MC, Kangpokpi District.
The opening programme was also attended by Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister Nemcha Kipgen; Chairman, Planning and Development Authority, Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei; MLA Wangkhei AC, Thangjam Arunkumar and President, KFA, Lamminthang Kipgen among others.
Speaking on the occasion, N. Biren Singh appreciated the enthusiastic spirit of the people of Kangpokpi District and for their support in the State Government’s War against Drugs movement. Stating that the anti-drugs movement is for the betterment of future generations, he expressed satisfaction that other alternative crops like fruits had been planted instead of poppy cultivation in various parts of the District.
The Chief Minister continued that there are many beautiful places in Kangpokpi District that could be developed into tourist sites. He informed that the State Government had already started construction of an amusement park with a swimming pool and artificial football turf in the District. He further made an announcement to construct a hostel for the Kuki Football Academy and a football field also at a suitable site.
Maintaining that the State Government would always encourage efforts of various sports academies, N. Biren announced that the Government would make a provision to provide a grant of Rs. 5 Lakhs every year to those sports clubs and academies which dedicatedly put effort to produce good players. He continued that the Government aims to make Manipur a peaceful and progressing state with cooperation among different communities and working together for development.
He further appreciated the Thadou community for their efforts and cooperation in maintaining peace in the State.
Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister. Nemcha Kipgen, while delivering her speech, stated that sports help in keeping youths away from drug-related activities and also maintain good health. She continued that possessing game spirit and hard work are stepping stones to success adding that Manipur, despite being small in areas, has many hard-working sportspeople.
She further appreciated Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated that he had never shown discrimination among different communities while taking up development works.
Performances of cultural dance by Vaiphei Cultural Troupe and KFA theme song were also showcased during the programme.
