Imphal: Department of Youth Affairs & Sports (YAS), Government of Manipur, highlighted the State’s rich sporting heritage, achievements and potential for sports investment and tourism at the 14th session of the “Meet the Press” organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur, held today at its auditorium.
Dr. Mayengbam Veto Singh, MCS, Director (YAS), Manipur, highlighted the State’s longstanding contribution to Indian sports, with athletes from Manipur representing the country at international arenas. He said that Manipur has produced 19 Olympians with 3 Olympic Medalists, 26 Asian Games Medalists and 36 Commonwealth Games Medalists, besides several recipients of prestigious National Sports Awards.
Stressing on the strong sporting ecosystem, Dr. Veto stated that the state has an active ecosystem comprising coaching centres, academics and competitive tournaments. More than 40 widely played disciplines are practised amongst the youths through schools, clubs and local tournaments. Players from Manipur are known for discipline, speed, fitness and technical skills and have made significant contributions to Indian sports at national and international levels.
He also stated that Football, boxing, weightlifting, hockey, athletics, judo, wushu, fencing, badminton, cycling, gymnastics, archery and wrestling were identified among the high-potential sports in the state despite infrastructure gaps in remote hill districts. He also further added that the indigenous sporting traditions, including Sagol Kangjei (Polo), Mukna, Thang-Ta, Yubi Lakpi, Khong Kangjei and Hiyang Tannaba form an important part cultural and sporting heritage of the state.
Highlighting the state’s recent performances in major sporting events, including the 38th National Games, Khelo India Youth Games, National School Games and Khelo India Beach Games, along with the achievements of the athletes, Director identified opportunities for further development in sports infrastructure, sports science, nutrition, performance analytics, public-private partnerships and sports tourism. He said that the key challenges face by the Department in development includes infrastructure gaps, funding constraints, connectivity issues in the hill districts and the need for greater preservation and promotion of indigenous sports.
Director Dr. Veto said that the Department, with a vision to build a healthier, stronger and more united Manipur where every youth has the opportunity to play, excel and make the state proud, has develop a roadmap for sports and youth development in the state. Mentioning “Vision 2030: Manipur as Sports Capital” he urged investors, developers and stakeholders to collaborate in further developing Manipur as a major destination for sports, tourism and sporting excellence considering Manipur’s diverse terrain, rich sporting culture and strategic location in Northeast India.
M. Nabakumar Singh, Senior FO, YAS; Th. Mangichan Singh, DD, YAS; T. Dushanta Singh, Assistant Director, YAS; K. Chinglensana, Olympian were also present at the “Meet the Press” programme.
