Manipur marked International Olympic Day with runs, tree plantation drives and preparations for district-level Olympic Games, with leaders stressing sports development.
Imphal, June 23: International Olympic Day was observed across Manipur on Tuesday with runs, tree plantation drives and renewed emphasis on strengthening the State’s sporting ecosystem, as political leaders, sports administrators and athletes gathered at multiple venues to celebrate the occasion.
The main state-level programme was held at the courtyard of the Olympic Bhavan at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal, where Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the International Olympic Day Run with Tree Plantation programme organised by the Manipur Olympic Association (MOA).
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described Manipur as a land where 36 communities have lived together in harmony and said the State continues to play a vital role in India's sporting achievements.
He remarked that no Indian contingent participating in major international sporting events is complete without Manipuri athletes and noted that sportspersons from the State have consistently brought recognition to the country through their performances.
The Chief Minister said the establishment of the National Sports University in Manipur was a recognition of the State's contribution to Indian sports. He informed that infrastructure development at the university is nearing completion and added that he had recently inspected the campus.
Drawing from his own experience as a former Taekwondo player, Khemchand said sports teach discipline beyond competition and medals. He urged young athletes to respect coaches and teachers, maintain harmony irrespective of community differences and develop perseverance in both sports and academics.
Home and Youth Affairs & Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam, who also addressed the programme, said India is preparing for a bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games and is working to identify and nurture talent across different disciplines.
He highlighted that despite its relatively small population, Manipur has produced 19 Olympians, a record that compares favourably with many larger states.
The Minister also pointed out that much of the sports equipment currently in use dates back to the 5th National Games held in 1999 and is no longer suited to modern competitive requirements. He informed that the Chief Minister has assured a provision of ?5 crore during the current financial year for procurement of updated sports equipment.
Konthoujam further appealed to athletes to maintain discipline, avoid drug abuse and contribute positively to society.
The programme concluded with the Chief Minister flagging off the International Olympic Day Run and participating in a tree plantation drive alongside other dignitaries, sports officials and athletes.
Among those present were MLA and Manipur Olympic Association Advisor Dr. Th. Radheshyam Singh, MLA and Manipur Basketball Association President Nishikant Sapam, MOA President Sunil Elangbam and representatives from various sports associations.
Earlier in the day, Govindas Konthoujam chaired a review meeting in Bishnupur on preparations for the inaugural Bishnupur District Olympic Games, scheduled to be held during the second week of July.
The Minister appreciated the efforts of the District Administration and the Bishnupur District Olympic Association in organising the event, stating that such initiatives help channel young people towards constructive activities.
He said promoting sports contributes to a healthier and more disciplined society and added that district-level competitions would play an important role in identifying and nurturing future sporting talent.
Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur Pooja Elangbam presented a detailed review of preparations for the Games. The event will be jointly organised by the District Administration, Bishnupur, the Bishnupur District Olympic Association and the Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports under the aegis of the Manipur Olympic Association.
Officials decided that the Games will feature 16 disciplines including athletics, football, boxing, wrestling, kabaddi, kho kho, volleyball, gymnastics, sepak takraw, rowing, canoeing and kayaking, among others.
Several elected representatives, district officials and security officers attended the review meeting.
International Olympic Day was also observed in Thoubal under the aegis of the Manipur Olympic Association. The programme was jointly organised by the Thoubal District Olympic Association (TDOA), affiliated district sports associations and the Manipur Amateur Kho Kho Association at BASU Ground, Khangabok.
The event featured flag hoisting, distribution of T-shirts to athletes and officials and tree plantation drives at multiple sports facilities, including BASU Ground, Mini Stadium Thoubal Ningombam and the Multipurpose Indoor Stadium Complex at Thoubal Kshetrileikai.
TDOA Secretary M. Madhusudon said the programme commemorated June 23, the date on which the International Olympic Committee was established in 1894 and the modern Olympic movement formally began.
He stated that the tree plantation component was organised in line with efforts to promote environmental awareness and public participation ahead of India's ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Speaking at the event, Superintendent of Police, Thoubal, Manoj Prabhakar M encouraged young athletes and urged them to remain committed to their sporting pursuits.
The celebrations across the State reflected Manipur's continued focus on sports development, athlete welfare and grassroots participation while reaffirming its reputation as one of India's leading sporting hubs.
