Upcoming players need to keep the strong legacy set by their seniors, says Sports Minister
Source: IT News

Imphal, February 25 2020: The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports today observed the Shannaroishingee Numit - 2020 (Players' Day) at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium.

On the occasion, YAS Minister Letpao Haokip stated that upcoming players of the state need to keep up with the glorious legacy of sporting excellence initiated by the senior players of the past and present.

While the minister was the chief guest of the function, Bobby Waikhom (IAS), Commissioner of YAS was the functional president while the guests of honour were Dr K Shyamsunder Singh (IAS), Director of YAS and Sunil Elangbam, Secretary of the Manipur Olympic Association.

Upcoming players need to keep the strong legacy set by their seniors, says Sports Minister

It may be worth mentioning that the observance of the Shannaroishingee Numit was first held in the year 1999 to mark the historic win of Manipur in the 5th National Games that was held that year from February 14-25 .

Manipur emerged team champion by bagging the coveted Raja Bhalendra Singh Trophy.

Giving his chief guest speech, Letpao said that the players of the state has been doing well in their performances so far, and the several medals, awards and laurels that they brought to Manipur was a testimony for this claim.

Ratio-wise, the state of Manipur still remains a forerunner in producing world-class players as we produced many excellent players in spite of having a small population, in comparison to the those largely-populated mainland Indian states.

However, he cautioned the upcoming generation of players not to be half-hearted in their efforts, and to double up their struggles and hardwork as many leading senior Manipuri players have created a strong legacy for them to follow.

Another major highlight of today's observance was the flagging off of the Players' Day Run by the YAS Minister.

Hundreds of players of the state took part in this run.

Also, the chief guest led the gathering in the pledging of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

Noted bow-maker from Manipur, B Chaoba Sharma was also honoured by Minister Letpao Haokip acknowledging his contribution to the making of Archery Indian Round Bows as a part of the observation of the Players' Day.