DoNER to infuse more sporting spirit; Nod given to Football Academy, Boxing Academy on the card
Mary Kom awarded ' 40 lakhs, ' 5 lakh each to other NE Olympians
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 15 2012: "THE MINISTRY for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has been giving importance to development of sports in Manipur and it will continue to give more emphasis on sports in days to come", Paban Singh Ghatowar, Union Minister of State (i/c) DoNER, who is also the Chairman of North Eastern Council (NEC), has stated.

Inaugurating a 3-day Seminar on Development of Sports in North Eastern States cum Felicitation of the Participants of London Olympics, 2012 from North Easter States at the auditorium of MFDC here today, Ghatowar said that since Manipur is a place well known for its talents in the field of sports, the sportspersons from the state should look forward with much optimism in the next Rio Olympics.

Noting that Manipur has always been at top in the National Games, the Union Minister observed that even in the last National Games at Jharkhand, Manipur got the highest number of medals.

If the large number of Manipuri players representing others states and the Services in the National Games are taken into account then the state could have been the undisputed winner.

Union DoNER Minister Paban Singh Ghatowar presenting incentive reward to boxer Laishram Devevdro

The Union Minister is all praise for Mary Kom when he said that she has become a household name.

Even small kids recognize Mary Kom at a glance.

He assured that the proposal brought up by the State Government for establishment of a Football Academy in the State would be considered and NEC would also see what can be done with regard to establishment of a Boxing Academy in the state as well.

Speaking as Chief Guest of the function, Chief Minister O Ibobi stated with confidence that producing a number of Olympians, Arjuna Awardees, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Dronacharya and Dhyanchand Awardees and Olympic Bronze Medalist like Mary Kom, is just the beginning and there is much to follow in future.

Now we must pay attention to the basic challenges at a more fundamental level.

In a state where there is latent talent in sports, the opportunitieswould need to be more broad-based.

Our youngsters need to expose more to sports facilities and in an environment where coaches and sportspersons are accessible, the Chief Minister added.

The Chief Minister admitted that limited avenues available for suitable jobs in Manipur have led to the migration of most of our talented sportspersons to other states, PSUs and organizations.

Highlighting the works being taken up by the State Government for promotion of sports, the Chief Minister said that Mini Sports Complexes in all the Hill Districts Head Quarters and the Valley Districts have been established with funding from DoNER under NLCPR and SPA.

Considering the significance and growing national character of the National Sports Academy in Manipur with 214 students from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, West Bengal and Punjab besides Manipur, the Chief Minister also appealed to the DoNER Ministry for considering extension of an appropriate recurring grant for the Academy annually.

The Chief Minister expressed appreciation to the Union Minister for the help and assistance that DoNER and NEC have been extending to the cause of promotion of sports in Manipur and all other North Eastern States.

On the occasion, MC Mary Kom, who brought home a Bronze Medal from London Olympics, 2012, was awarded a cash reward of Rs 40 lakhs by NEC.

Other 10 Olympians from North East region were also awarded Rs 5 lakhs each.

A number of sportspersons from NE region were also awarded with Chairman's Sports Award for excellence in International and National Championships.

The function was held under aegis of Manipur Olympic Association and Youth Affairs and Sports Department.