YAS supports indigenous sports: Rijiju
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 25 2019:
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) has been supporting indigenous sports such as Kho-Kho, Kabaddi, Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang-Ta etc.
This was stated by Union Minister of State for YAS (independent charge) Kiren Rijiju in response to a question raised by MP Rakesh Sinha in the Lok Sabha today.
He stated that 23 sports events were held in Rural and Indigenous Games at 23 different locations across the country as part of the 'Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat' programme last year.
About 1500 players participated in these events which included Sqay, Kho-Kho, Kalaripayattu, Mallakhamb and Roll Ball.
Under the Fit India Movement, all State/UT Governments have been advised to encourage all schools to provide regular sports, including a local/indigenous game.
Kiren Rijiju also mentioned a number of traditional and rural sports which have been recorded in the North Eastern States including Manipur's Mukna, Khong Kangjei, Sagol Kangjei, Kang, Yubi Lakpi, Hiyang Tannaba, Lamjei Cheibi, Sarit Sarak and Thang-Ta.