Manipur observed National Sports Day 2026 at Khuman Lampak, with Minister Govindas Konthoujam paying tribute to Major Dhyan Chand and urging wider sports participation.
Imphal, August 29: The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS), Government of Manipur, observed National Sports Day 2026 at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal on Saturday, paying tribute to legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand and encouraging wider public participation in sports and physical activities.
YAS and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam attended the programme as the chief guest. Earlier in the morning, he flagged off a half marathon from the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.
The race covered approximately 21 km, with participants running up to Malom Oil Depot before returning to the starting point at Khuman Lampak.
Floral tributes were also paid to Major Dhyan Chand at the Hockey Stadium as part of the main observance.
Addressing the gathering, Govindas said National Sports Day is observed annually to mark the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, who brought international recognition to India through his achievements in hockey, including three Olympic gold medals.
He noted that National Sports Day has been observed across India since 2012 to honour the legendary sportsperson and promote the importance of sports and physical fitness.
The Minister said the occasion is intended not only to remember Major Dhyan Chand but also to encourage people to participate in sports, inspire sportspersons to bring recognition to Manipur and motivate citizens to maintain physical fitness and good health.
Govindas described Khuman Lampak Sports Complex as one of the country's prominent sporting facilities and stressed the need for its proper maintenance and continued development.
He said the complex provides an important platform for sportspersons, coaches and sporting events and therefore requires sustained care and attention.
The Minister also highlighted the efforts of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh to maintain and upgrade sports facilities and equipment at Khuman Lampak to global standards.
He appealed to all stakeholders to extend their support and cooperation towards the development and upkeep of the sports complex.
Govindas expressed hope that sportspersons from Manipur would continue to perform strongly across different sporting disciplines, win more medals and bring greater recognition to both the state and the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports, Naorem Praveen Singh, said the National Sports Day observance assumes particular significance in the context of the Bharat Khel Neeti, 2025 and implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
He said the initiatives seek to promote physical fitness, mental well-being and greater participation in sports and physical activities.
According to the Secretary, this year's National Sports Day observance focuses on encouraging people to participate in sports, remain physically fit, develop mental strength and lead healthy and active lives.
Naorem Praveen Singh pointed out that around 65 per cent of India's population is below the age of 35, making young people an important strength for the country's development.
He stressed that keeping the youth physically fit and encouraging greater participation in sports could contribute to the country's overall progress.
He also expressed confidence that increased participation among young people would help India improve its medal tally at international sporting events.
The Secretary further hoped that young athletes from Manipur would continue the state's sporting tradition, achieve success in different disciplines and bring further recognition to Manipur and India.
As part of the observance, men's and women's hockey exhibition matches were held at the Khuman Lampak Hockey Stadium later in the evening. The matches were inaugurated by Minister Govindas Konthoujam.
Director of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, departmental officials, sportspersons, coaches, athletes and other stakeholders attended the programme.
