2012 opens new door of success for sportspersons of Manipur
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 31 2012:
The year 2012 which is an important year in the field of games and sports with the London Olympics also open a new door of success for the sportspersons of the state with its players reaching new high in the international arena.
Among the top sports stars of the world, US swimmer Michael Phelps made world record of highest ever Olympic medals won by a single person with 18 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 2 bronze medals in four Olympics (Sydney-2000, Athens-2004, Beijing-2008 and London-2012) .
On the other hand, MC Mary Kom, who was honoured with magnificient Mary by the international Boxing body AIBF also scripted history by winning a bronze medal in women's boxing in 51 kg category which was introduced for the first time in the London Olympics.
It was unfortunate that she fought a well toned and taller Nichola Adams in the semi final and lost it.
For India, the year was the most important year in the Olympic history with six Olympic medals which is the highest ever medal haul for the country.
Medal winners of India in the London Games were shooter Bijoy Kumar (silver), Wrestler Sushil (silver), shooter Gagan (bronze), shuttler Saina Nehwal (bronze), wrestler Jogeshwar (bronze) and pugilist MC Mary Kom (bronze).
Five Manipuri players –boxer MC Mary Kom, boxer Laishram Devendro, archer Laisram Bombayla, weightlifter Soniya Chanu and hockey player Kh Kothajit - participated in the Games showing its domination of the country in the field of games and sports.
Besides, the Indian Women's Football team which have 11 Manipuri players won the SAFF Championships after defeating Nepal 3-1 in the final match.
The more interesting part is that Bembem of Manipur was the captain of the Indian team.
In the past few years, Manipur is witnessing increasing numbers of youths taking interest in the field of body building.
As a result, scores of Gym are opening up in various places of the state and competitions in district and state level are increasing.
Besides, women are also taking interest in the field.
Transformation Challenge initiated by Apunba Fitness Centre (AFC) has been a grand success with its 2nd edition pulling a crowd at the grand ceremony.
In the latest, the first Miss Kangleipak (Women's Best Physique) was also held on December 30 at GM Hall.
The most important achievement of the state in the field of body building is the third consecutive win of Mr World Title by Arambam Boby in the competition held in Bangkok, Thailand this year.
Khundrakpam Pradipkumar's winning of third position in the same championships was also a major achievement of the state and inspired other youths of the state as well as the whole world.
Besides the achievement, one of the most important and historical milestone in the field of sports is the 6th Manipur International Polo Tournament held at Mapal Kangjeibung, the historical oldest living pologround in Imphal in December.
Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association organised the tournament as part of the Sangai Festival.
Six polo teams – Hurlingham Polo Club (England), France, Germany, Thailand, India-A and India-B (Manipur) – participated in the tournament.
India-B (Manipur) beat India-A in the final match and won the champion's trophy.
The most significant part of the tournament is that all of the participating team used the traditional Manipuri pony in the tournament.
While looking ahead, the year 2012 was a superb year for sportspersons of the state.
Recognising their talents and achievements in various national and international championships, the Government of India honoured Archer Laishram Bombayla, Weightlifter Ng Soniya Chanu and Wushu player Mayanglambam Bimoljit with Arjuna Award in August.
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