Ukhrul sports bodies decry proposed 1st Winter Games
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, January 14 2023:
As many as seven associations representing different sports disciplines in Ukhrul district have decried the proposed 1st Winter Games to be jointly organised by Ukhrul and Kamjong Olympic Associations at Ukhrul district headquarters from January 30 to February 4 .
"We strongly condemn the notification No 1/2/2023/WG; served on 9th January 2023 regarding the 1st Winter Games jointly organised in the name of the Ukhrul and Kamjong Olympic Associations," the associations said in a joint statement on Saturday.
The statement pointed out that many registered sports disciplines including Ukhrul District Volleyball Association (UDVA), Table Tennis Association, Ukhrul District (TTAUD), Ukhrul District Basketball Association (UDBA), Ukhrul District Archery Association (UDAA), Ukhrul District Athletics Association (UDAA), Ukhrul District Judo Association (UDJA) and Ukhrul District Shooting Association (UDSA) had not been intimated and were unaware of the proposed sporting event until the notification.
Citing reasons behind their disapproval of the proposed sporting event, the statement noted that "there is a simmering issue due to some vested interests, which is still yet to be resolved regarding the claim for legitimacy of the Ukhrul District Olympic Association (UDOA) through various unhealthy means".
It continued that another UDOA has now been mushrooming parallel with the UDOA that participated and brought laurels and honour in various discipline because of the talents 6f the participants and blessings from CSOs, i.e.; Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Wungnao Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Long and well-wishers in the recently concluded 2nd Manipur Olympic Games, which was held on August 26 to 30, 2022 representing the Tangkhul community.
"We express our deepest concern and condemnation of this kind of unethical move.
We call the attention of our father figures of our community, the CSOs, and all right-thinking people for the greater interest and career of Tangkhul athletes and the future of Tangkhuls in the field of sports," it added.
The statement further recalled the significant contributions made in the history of sports by those participants representing the community with the title Ukhrul District Olympic Association' in the 2nd Manipur Olympic Games through their remarkable achievement in various sports discipline as they bagged 20 medals - 1 Gold, 4 Silver and 14 Bronze, 1st Prize in March-past competition of 16 districts, trophy, certificates and cash price award of fifty thousand handed over by CM Biren Singh.
It urged that the Ukhrul District Olympic Association be given the honour and recognition that it deserves as a result of how and why the association's name was christened and why it participated in the 2nd Manipur Olympic Games.
"We appeal to the authorities concerned to look into the matter objectively and judiciously to bring an amicable solution for the glory of our community.
With our honest will, let's give our bid by sorting out from the root to build and strengthen our community," the statement pleaded.