Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 15 2010:
"The secular Progressive Front (SPF) government under the leadership of Chief Minister O Ibobi is making a concerted effort to make Imphal, the capital of Manipur state which is indomitable in India in the field of sports, the Sports City of India" .
This was asserted by Youth Affairs and Sports and IFCD Minister, N Biren during the inaugural function of the 11th Inter Club Sports Meet of Heingang Assembly Constituency today.
Minister Biren further said that the state government is trying to get a huge project that will require about Rs 400/500 crore to make Imphal the Sports City of India.
There are possibilities to make this plan become a reality.
This is because of the fact that the sportspersons of Manipur have brought laurels to not only Manipur but also to India, the Minister said.
He also announced that a plan is afoot to develop Ibudhou Marjing hill in Heingang Assembly Constituency, said to be the origin of world famous polo, at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore.
A statue of a flying horse will be installed atop the hill.
This will become an attractive place for tourists.
The money has already been sanctioned.
The origin of polo, Ibudhou Marjing hill will be developed soon so that the world will come to know of the place, Minister Biren said.
So many playgrounds and sports complexes are being developed in Manipur for the sportspersons to show their talents, the YAS Minister said adding that unless the sportspersons nurture interest in participating in various competitions, they can not become good sportspersons known to the world.
Affirming that sports not only keep men healthy, but also brings about mutual love and understanding among the people, Minister Biren said that the clubs which are participating in the Inter Club Sports Meet should understand the significants of the sports meet.
Works Minister K Ranjit, who attended the function as the chief guest, said that lack of discipline among the present day youth and disrespect to the teachers by them are the root cause of the ills of the soceity and creating unrest.
Sports not only create awareness on discipline among the youth, but also make an important means for bringing peace in this trouble-torn region, Minister Ranjit said.
Adhyaksha of Imphal East Zilla Parishad, P Bimola Devi was also present at the inaugural function.
The sports meet will continue till April 18.A number youth clubs located in the constituency are taking part in the sport meet.