Governor notes benefits of sports and fitness
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, January 15 2023:
Governor La Ganesan has said that active and continued participation in sports and athletic events would pay rich dividends in terms of fitness, well-being and happiness.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 20th Manipur Veterans' Table Tennis Championship 2022-23 organised by Manipur Veteran Table Tennis Association (MVTTA) at Kangshang of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal East on Sunday, the Governor commended MVTTA for its initiatives to explore talent from the pool which has not yet represented the state in any veteran national championship.
He also said that the championship will provide an opportunity to those players who had not represented the state to do better and also throw up new talent who can be reckoned for representing the state later.
Organising such events have proved mat table tennis is inclusive and a sport for all that can be played by all ages for improvement health.
If wealth is lost, nothing is lost but if health is lost, something is lost, and people need to remain healthy by playing such sports, the Governor added.
La Ganesan continued that TT is a popular game and is also played as a competitive sport in several countries particularly in East Asia and Europe.
It has also been an Olympic sport since 1988.He further mentioned that if Manipur has to do better, there will be need to upgrade the facilities and the coaching standard for which both the state government and MVTTA have to work together.
The Governor extended his congratulations to the winners and thanked the competitors who took part in the championship.
He also thanked MVTTA for organising the championship and donated Rs 25,000 to encourage the organisers and the players.
Later, Governor La Ganesan handed over the prizes to the winners and runner-ups of the championship.
It may be mentioned here that the 20th Manipur Veterans Table Tennis Championship 2022-23 began from January 13 after a gap of three years.
The championship was organised in Women's 40+ Singles, 50+ Singles, Mixed Doubles, Doubles, and Men's 60+ Doubles, 50+ Doubles, 40+ Doubles, 70+ Singles, 60+ Singles, 50+ Singles and 40+ Singles.
Players from various districts of the state participated in the championship.
Bobby Waikhom, who is secretary to the Governor, PWD retired chief engineer & MVTTA president O Digendra Singh, 109 Battalion CRPF CO Balakrishna Rao, MVTTA organising secretary Dr Sh Amrita Singh, secretary Dr H Nirendra, members and invitees also attended the closing ceremony.