Sports key to winning 'War on Drugs': Govindas
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 04 2022:
Noting that sports will play a key role in the success of the government's War on Drugs campaign, youth affairs and sports minister Govindas Konthoujam has called upon the youth to actively engage in one or another sporting discipline in order to stay away from drugs.
Speaking as chief guest of the closing ceremony of the 3rd NBCA Veteran Football Tournament organised by Nambul Brink Cultural Association (NBCA), Takyel Khongbal Maning Leikai on Sunday, the minister said that Manipur is surrounded by Myanmar on three sides and is becoming a hotspot for drug trafficking.
Engaging in sports can divert the mind of the youth from falling into the trap of drug and substance abuse, he stated.
Despite the small population and area, the state is known for its sporting talents and rich heritage of arts and culture.
It is a matter of pride for the people of the state to have 11 Olympians.
Games and sports have become an inseparable part of the society in the state where almost all of the people are interested either in playing or watching sports.
This interest in sports is visible during the ongoing Durand Cup being held at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium which is overcrowded with sports lovers watching the match standing even after the tickets were sold out, the min ister said and also described the veteran football tournament organised by NBCA as an event for motivating young talents to seek their career in sports.
Education minister Th Basanta, MLAs Karam Shyam, L Rameshwar, Kh Ibomcha, S Kunjakeshwor, YAS director T Phulen, electricity department's chief engineer H Santikumar, NBCA president W Iboyaima, Paree Imom Sindamshang High School Langjing principal Sanjenbam Memcha Chanu, social worker L Polen, Takyel GP pradhan Khaidem Priyobala and Takyel GP Ward No 4 member Sanjenbam Memcha Devi attended the closing ceremony as presidium members.
The final match was played between UVSA Lilong Chajing and Keishamthong FC in which UVSA defeated the latter by 2-0 goals.
Both the goals of UVSA were scored by W Ajit in the 27th and 64th minute of the match.
UVSA Lilong Chajing's H Noren, Y Brojen, W Ajit and L Rameshwor won the awards for best goalkeeper, best defender, top scorer (8 goals) and best player of the final match respectively.
Keishamthong FC's Sachin Rai won the best midfielder's award while NBCA won the best disciplined team.