IKCA secretary general visits Takmu Regional Water Sports Complex
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 21 2021:
Prashant Kushwaha, secretary general of Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA) paid a visit to Takmu Regional Water Sports Complex, Loktak Lake this morning.
He was accompanied by RK Lokendrajit, secretary, All Manipur Kayaking and Canoeing Association; Asnikumar Moirangthem, president of Bishnupur District Canoeing and Kayaking Association, local senior athlete, S Haridas and National athlete, Indra and other sportspersons.
During the visit, Prashant expressed genuine happiness in seeing the enthusiasm and dedication shown by young athletes of Takmu Water Sports centre.
He also lauded the achievements of State players in recent times despite hardships and limited support.
Both discussed the present state of affairs of the water sports complex.
After seeing the hardships being faced by the young athletes; shortage of equipment, infrastructures and diet, Prashant assured to provide 6 boats and provide a Multi gym facility to athletes of Takmu within April free of cost.
Prashant lauded the far-sighted vision of the then sports Minister of the State and present Chief Minister N Biren Singh for declaring Takmu, Loktak Lake as a regional water sports complex and for establishing water sports infrastructure during his tenure as Sports Minister in 2007-2009 considering and recognising the water sports potential of the State and Loktak being an ideal location for the purpose.
He also promised to persuade the Union Sports Ministry, DG SAI to start SAI Centre of Excellence at Takmu Water Sports Complex.
Expressing his desire to visit the site again shortly, the National secretary general also assured to collectively apprise Manipur Chief Minister and Union Sports Minister, Kiren Rijiju of the potential of the Takmu Water Sports Complex, Loktak in becoming a world-class water sports training and competition site soon.
Besides these, the secretary general of the National body requested athletes and coaches of the discipline who are working in armed forces service and other Government Departments to donate at least 1 boat for Manipur and contribute to the development of water sports in the State.
He maintained that a National Championship will be allotted to Manipur soon.
On this, the president of All Manipur Kayaking and Canoeing Association, Jotin Waikhom assured to make his best effort for organising the National Championship and fulfil all required infrastructure for organising it.