CM hands over funds for Khelo India Centres
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, July 14 2022:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh today handed over cheques amounting to Rs 5 lakh each to District Youth Affairs and Sports Officers of 16 districts to start functioning of district level Khelo India Centres.
The fund distribution programme was held at the Chief Minister's Secretariat.
Speaking at the occasion, N Biren stated that the Ministry of Sports, Government of India took up an initiative to establish 1000 Khelo India Centres across the country under the Khelo India Programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Archery, Athletics, Boxing, Badminton, Cycling, Fencing, Hockey, Judo, Rowing, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Football and traditional sports had been included as identified sports disciplines under the Khelo India Programme.
As such, Sports Authority of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, had approved the opening of district level Khelo India Centres for different sports disciplines at 16 districts of Manipur, Biren said.
The Chief Minister informed that a total amount of Rs one crore and 12 lakh was sanctioned on May 31, 2021 for 16 districts of Manipur for preparation/upgradation of sports field, purchase of equipment, sports kits and remuneration for engagement of mentor and supporting staff.
He added that Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in three sports disciplines including Archery, Hockey and Weightlifting would also start very soon at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex as per the guidance of the Sports Ministry.
Biren was hopeful that attracting youths towards the field of games and sports would help them stay away from drugs related activities and consumption.
He also sought support of all the players and other stakeholders who had been taking important roles in promoting sports to the Government's initiatives to develop sports infrastructure under the Khelo India Programme.
The Chief Minister further mentioned that Government schools of the State had recorded a high pass percentage of 60.40 percent in the recently declared High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) Examination 2022 result.
The pass percentage of Government Schools in HSLC Examinations conducted by the Board of Secondary Education Manipur hadn't crossed 55 percent in the last ten years, he added.
Appreciating all the students, teaching and non-teaching staff of Government schools for their dedicated efforts towards achieving such record pass percentage, he informed that Headmasters and teachers of Government schools which had secured high pass percentage in the recent HSLC Examination will be rewarded on August 13 this year.
The identified sports disciplines for different districts are Fencing for Imphal East, Cycling for Imphal West, Judo for Thoubal, Badminton for Kakching, Senapati, Jiribam and Tamenglong, Football for Chandel, Tengnoupal, Pherzawl, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, Kamjong and Noney, Rowing for Bishnupur and Boxing for Churachandpur.
Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, Principal Secretary (YAS) SS Chhabra, Director (YAS) T Phulen Meitei, District Youth Affairs and Sports Officers and other officials of Youth Affairs and Sports Department attended the programme, among others.