Imphal, October 24 2008: The recent blast at Ragailong, which is close to Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, is triggering fear psychosis among the sports fraternity as well, as the Bihar contingent for the 2nd East Zone and 19th Senior National Sepak Takraw Championship is certain to opt out of the competition.

The championship is scheduled to be held here next month with All manipur Sepak Takraw Association as the host under the aegis of Sepak Takraw Federation of India.

Speaking to newspersons at his office chamber this evening, Sports Minister N Biren Singh stated that inspite of enhanced security measures in the aftermath of the Ragailong blast and concerted effort being made for successful hosting of the championship uncertainty continues to shroud over participation of Bihar team.

With Bihar most likely to pull out as there in no intimation as yet, the two day (Nov 3-4) East Zone championship will be a competition among the States of Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, west Bengal, Orissa, Tripura and host Manipur, the Minister stated.

Further informing that 22 States have confirmed participation in the 19th senior nationals, Biren elaborated that accommodation for about 507 players and officials would be the task of Sports Department and SAI.

With regard to the financial cost of hosting the championship the Minister said apart from the sports Department having earmarked Rs 1.20 lakh and another sum of Rs 2 lakh provided by the Indian federation there is likely to be donation campaign from the Minister, Government officials and the general public for which he sought cooperation from all concerned.

Fervently appealing to NGOs and civil society organisations to refrain from imposing bandhs and strikes before and during the championship, he also informed that after the sepak takraw nationals the State would be hosting national fencing championship and a BCCI sponsored under-19 cricket tournament.