Manipur sportspersons will continue to bring glory to state and nation: Sports Minister
Imphal, Aug 30 (IANS) Manipur Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) and Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh has expressed confidence that sportspersons from the state would continue to excel in various sporting disciplines, win more medals and bring greater glory and recognition to both the state and the nation.
Addressing the National Sports Day 2026 event in Imphal, Singh also said on Saturday that the state’s Chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has been making continuous efforts to maintain and upgrade the sports facilities and equipment at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex to global standards.
He called upon all concerned to extend their support and cooperation towards such efforts.
The Minister said that National Sports Day is observed every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary hockey player who brought immense glory to India by winning three Olympic gold medals in hockey.
He noted that National Sports Day has been observed across the country since 2012 to honour the legendary sportsperson and promote the importance of sports and physical fitness.
The Youth Affairs and Sports Minister said that the observance aims to pay tribute to Major Dhyan Chand while encouraging greater participation in sports, inspiring sportspersons to bring recognition and glory to the state, and motivating every citizen to remain physically fit and healthy.
He highlighted that Khuman Lampak Sports Complex is one of the most prominent sports facilities in the country and emphasised the need to maintain and develop the complex with care and dedication, as it provides a platform for sportspersons, coaches and sporting events.
Earlier in the morning, Minister Singh had flagged off a Half Marathon Race as part of the event from Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.
The race covered a distance of around 21 km, with participants running up to Malom Oil Depot and returning to the starting point at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex.
Floral tributes were also paid to Major Dhyan Chand inside the Hockey Stadium as part of the day’s main event.
Addressing the event, Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary, Naorem Praveen Singh, said that the National Sports Day celebration is a significant occasion, particularly in the context of the newly formulated Bharat Khel Neeti, 2025, and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
He said that these initiatives are aimed at bringing about a positive transformation in the lives of people by promoting physical fitness, mental well-being and active participation in sports and physical activities.
The official added that around 65 per cent of India’s population is below the age of 35, making the youth one of the greatest strengths of the nation.
He stressed that keeping the youth physically fit and encouraging them to actively participate in sports would contribute significantly to the progress and development of the country.
The Youth Affairs and Sports Secretary expressed hope that young sportspersons from Manipur would continue to excel, add to the state’s existing achievements and bring greater laurels to both Manipur and the nation.
Later in the evening, Men’s and Women’s Hockey exhibition matches were inaugurated at the Khuman Lampak Hockey Stadium as part of the National Sports Day observance.
–IANS
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