Manipur’s rich sporting legacy inspiring new generation of athletes: Guv
Imphal, July 13 (IANS) Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla has said that the state has a rich sporting legacy and its athletes have consistently brought laurels to the country through outstanding performances at national and international competitions.
The Governor, accompanied by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, who also holds the Youth Affairs and Sports portfolio, attended the closing ceremony of the first Bishnupur District Olympic Games 2026 at Chengei Lampak in Moirang of Bishnupur district on Sunday.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla said the inaugural Bishnupur District Olympic Games truly embodied the spirit of sports by bringing together young athletes from across the district to compete in 16 sporting disciplines while promoting the values of discipline, perseverance, teamwork and excellence.
He congratulated the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and organisers for successfully conducting the sporting event.
The Governor also highlighted Manipur’s rich sporting heritage and acknowledged the achievements of several distinguished athletes from Bishnupur, whose accomplishments continue to inspire the younger generation to pursue excellence in sports.
Governor Bhalla emphasised that district-level sporting events play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing future champions by providing talented young athletes with opportunities to progress to state, national and international competitions.
He noted that Thoubal district had taken the lead by organising the first district-level Olympic Games, while Bishnupur had successfully carried the initiative forward.
Expressing hope that similar competitions would be organised across all districts of Manipur, the Governor said such grassroots initiatives would ensure that no talented sportsperson remains undiscovered.
Governor Bhalla also highlighted several national initiatives, including the Fit India Movement and Khelo India programme, as well as the contributions of the National Sports University and the North Eastern Council’s High-Level Sports Task Force in strengthening the sporting ecosystem of the region.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the District Olympic Games would foster the spirit of healthy competition among athletes while providing an important platform to identify and nurture emerging sporting talent.
He added that the initiative would play a significant role in enabling sportspersons from Manipur to raise their standards and compete successfully at national and international levels in their respective disciplines.
Organised jointly by the Bishnupur district administration and the Bishnupur District Olympic Association, the event aimed to promote the true spirit of sports by encouraging the values of discipline, perseverance, teamwork, respect and excellence among young athletes.
Several MLAs, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Bishnupur district, senior government officials and a large number of sports enthusiasts attended the closing ceremony.
The event featured vibrant cultural performances, the finals of various sporting disciplines and an impressive band display by a contingent of the Indian Army.
The Governor, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries distributed prizes, medals and mementoes to the winners of various sporting disciplines, marking the successful conclusion of the first edition of the Bishnupur District Olympic Games.
–IANS
sc/khz