State still powerhouse of sports: Govindas
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 01 2023:
Youth affairs and sports minister Govindas Konthoujam said that Manipur is still considered a powerhouse of sports and there are several international players, many of whom are playing for different national and international clubs.
In response to a remark made by opposition member K Ranjit, who said that the sporting prowess of the state is waning in the absence of supportive environment and proper infrastructure and the number of medals won in the national games is dipping, Govindas said Manipur is still at the top when it comes to per capita medal in the national games.
MLA Ranjit made the observation during the discussion on demand for grant of YAS department in the assembly on Wednesday.
While acknowledging decline in the number of medals won in national games, Govindas said contended that bifurcation of sports associations is one of the main reasons behind the declining performances among the players.
More than 5000 players of the state are playing in other states in search of better facilities and infrastructure since the state could not provide modern infrastructure due to fund constraints.
Several players of the state were seen winning medals for other states in the recent national games held in Gujarat, he said.
The government is taking up various initiatives to encourage players and the budget allocation has fund not only for salary of employees but also for cash incentives to players, TA and TA payment for players participating in major events, promotion of indigenous games, Chief Ministergee Sannaroisingee Tengbang scheme and National Sports Academy among others, the minister said.
Even before ministry of youth affairs and sports was formed, the state had been having a unit for YAS associated with the education department.
The then government took up the initiative, in acknowledgement of the love for sports and existence of sports culture among the people of the state.
The government's attempt to reform the sports policy framed in 2003 did not yield any success due to court cases filed by some sports association.
The government has not been able to improve sports infrastructure developed at the time of hosting 5th National Games in 1999.However, they are trying to improve infrastructure and fill in vacant posts of coaches.
Proposal has been sent to the Centre for funding Rs 15.6 crore to upgrade sports equipment.
There are plans to set up one sports complex each in Imphal East and Imphal West districts under PM DevINE scheme.
Moreover, the government is planning to organise talent hunt programmes in hill districts to identify potential players and train them at National Sports Academy, he added.