NE Aero Sports underway, stage collapses, none hurt
Source: Chronicle News Service / PIB
Imphal/Bishnupur, February 11 2023:
Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Saturday opened the first edition of the Northeast Aero Sports Hot Air Balloon & Para Motors Fiesta at Phubala Ground in Bishnupur district.
The union MoS, who arrived in Imphal on Saturday for a few hours' visit, declared open the fiesta in the presence of RD & PR minister Y Khemchand, education minister Th Basarrtakumar Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti, Hill Areas Committee chairman Dipu Gangmei and LDA chairman M Asnikumar among other dignitaries.
The six-day fiesta is being organised by SkyFunzy, a unit of Khasia Ventures Pvt Ltd, in collaboration with Loktak Development Authority, Manipur Aero Sports Association, tourism department and district youth affairs and sports office, Bishnupur.
The event is aimed at establishing sustainable air sports ecosystem and to make India one of the top sports nations by 2032, and also to develop northeast as one of the favourite aero sports destinations, Manipur in particular.
The festival will also prioritise promotion of aero sports activities for youth of Manipur and northeast and for bringing aero sports on the radar of youth participation and engagement and tourism across India and beyond.
During the festival, the opportunity to participate in various interesting events like para-motoring, balloon safari, balloon tethering, rock concerts, cultural and social programmes among others will be available for the visitors.
The formal opening function was, however, disturbed by a strong wind that blew away the platform of the function.
Luckily, nobody was injured in the incident as the guests were able to vacate the stage swiftly.
eanwhile, talking to the media, union MoS Ramdas Athawale expressed that the festival would not only help boost tourism in the state but will also contribute immensely towards improving the sports culture in this category.
He also talked about India's G20 presidency and said that 2023 is an important year for the country.
India has received the opportunity to assume the G20 Presidency and host various events at various cities across the country.
Cultural programmes including a Pung Cholom performance were showcased as part of the inaugural function.
Mention may be made here that Manipur is all set to host events of the G20 summit on February 17 and 18 at the recently developed Sangai Ethnic Park in Moirang, Bishnupur district.