Manipur Sports Minister Govindas Konthoujam inaugurated the first Bishnupur District Olympic Games 2026, featuring 16 sporting disciplines and over five days of competition.
Bishnupur, July 9: The first-ever Bishnupur District Olympic Games 2026 commenced on Wednesday with a colourful opening ceremony at the DSA Ground, Bishnupur, bringing together athletes from across the district under the theme "One District, One Spirit, Khello Bishnupur."
Manipur's Minister for Home and Youth Affairs & Sports, Govindas Konthoujam, inaugurated the five-day sporting event, describing it as an important initiative to identify young talent and strengthen the state's sporting culture.
The ceremony began with a torch rally followed by the lighting of the Olympic flame, symbolising unity, hope and sportsmanship. The flame was lit by Asian Games medallist and Arjuna Awardee Naorem Roshibina Devi, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Laisharam Monika Devi, and Indian Super League footballers from Bishnupur district—Moirangthem Thoiba Singh, Moirangthem Givson Singh, Moirangthem Dhiraj Singh and Kumam Udanta Singh.
Minister Govindas Konthoujam later hoisted the Games flag and took the salute from 16 contingents representing various sporting disciplines, including athletics, football, boxing, wrestling, wushu, badminton, table tennis, volleyball, kabaddi, kho kho, weightlifting, rowing, canoeing and kayaking, gymnastics, sepak takraw and Jeet Kune Do.
Welcoming the participants, Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam, who is also the Chairman of the organising committee, said the successful launch of the district's first Olympic Games was made possible through the support of the state government, elected representatives, district officials, security forces and the Bishnupur District Olympic Association.
She acknowledged the contributions of MLAs Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, Irengbam Nalini Devi, Thongam Shanti Singh, Tongbram Robindro Singh and Sanasam Premchand Singh, along with the CRPF, district administration and other stakeholders for their cooperation in organising the event.
Addressing the gathering, the Sports Minister said the Games, which will continue until July 12, provide a valuable platform to channel the energy of young people towards discipline, excellence and positive development.
Highlighting Manipur's sporting achievements, he noted that the state has produced 19 Olympians along with numerous Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medallists, earning recognition as India's sporting powerhouse.
Referring to India's ambition to host future editions of the Youth Olympic Games and the Olympic Games, Govindas Konthoujam said district-level competitions are essential for identifying promising athletes from the grassroots and preparing them for national and international competitions.
He also emphasised that sports have the power to transcend barriers of caste, creed, religion and ethnicity, promoting unity, mutual respect and healthy competition while contributing to a more inclusive society.
The inaugural ceremony featured traditional cultural performances, including Thougal Jagoi, Pung Cholom and Dhol Dholok, showcasing Manipur's rich cultural heritage. The opening day concluded with an exhibition football match.
Among those present were MLAs Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, Irengbam Nalini Devi and Thongam Shanti Singh, officials of the district administration, security forces, the Bishnupur District Olympic Association and representatives from various government departments.
