PHE minister L Dikho flags off Open Marathon Run 2021
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, December 04 2021:
PHE minister L Dikho flagged off the Open Marathon Run, 2021 at Raisung Ground, Maram bazaar, on Saturday.
The 22-km marathon run along NH -02 between Maram bazaar and Mini stadium, Senapati was organised by the Senapati District Olympic Association, Manipur (SDOAM) under the theme "Catch the Rain" and was sponsored by the state PHE department under the banner, "Get jab, Rid Covid" .
During a short gathering at Raisung Ground, Maram bazaar, Dr Ngouniba Peter, District Immunization Officer, Senapati spoke on advocacy on Covid vaccination.
In his speech, the DIO stated that the athletes need to have a good and strong heart to sustain themselves from the starting point till the end and to have good lungs to continuously supply enough oxygen to reach the goal.
He then said that a marathon runner participated in the race to convey the message of victory and asked the athletes to be messengers of Covid pandemic by telling people about the means to overcome the coronavirus by getting vaccinated.
PHE minister L Dikho in his speech lauded the organising committee for the event and spoke about the importance of sports in life as Manipur is leading the country in the field of sports, asking all to carry the message to bring change through sportsin many ways that can bring peace, good understanding in life in many other things.
The minister gave his welcome note to those athletes coming from neighbouring states like Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, etc to promote sports and friendship in the country.
He also asked the athletes to be an ambassador of great message to "Get Jab, Rid Covid".
The event was sponsored by the PHE department to spread the message of the importance of water as given in the theme, "Catch the Rain." With the vision of Prime Minister to provide tap water to each household by 2024, the minister asked the gathering to love water, to conserve water and catch the rain that the department wants to convey the message to all.
Secretary, Games & Sports of SDOAM gave an introduction and briefing of the rules and regulations to be followed by all athletes just before the flagging off.
Altogether, more than 400 athletes including women took part in the marathon run.
Representatives coming from Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland and Mizoram participated in the marathon run.
LR Luther of Khamsom village, Senapati district, reached the Mini Stadium Ground, Senapati within 1:16:57 seconds to win the race.
H Nagopulou of Liyai village, Senapati district, finished second (1:20:06 sec) while A Marikho of Chowainamei Khunou village, Senapati district, claimed the third po sition (1:26:54 sec) .
In the female category, K Tsiiveine of liyai village, Senapati district, secured the first position in 1:55:44 seconds, Milinhungle of Newme Hangrum village, Haflong, Assam, bagged the second position (1:56:10 sec) and Heluhing Chule Catherine of Bakie village, Senapati district, bagged the third position (1:56:20 sec) .
Prizes handed out by Mahesh Chaudhari, IAS, DC Senapati and Kaishungbou, MPS, addl SP (NH-2), Senapati at Mini Stadium Ground, Senapati.
N Surand Singh, SDO Willong, spoke on ethical voting for the coming assembly election, 2022 .
In his address, Mahesh Chaudhari, DC Senapati, lauded the organisers for the event that was participated by all age groups.
The DC also suggested organising such an event for persons with different abilities in future.
Under the Jal Shakti ministry, the central government and state water resources department had reportedly taken up works for water harvesting in different places of the state, the DC informed while asking all to make efforts to catch the rain in future.
The medical department and the Indian Red Cross Society, Senapati Branch assisted in providing first aid needs and taking care of the athletes as they reached the finish point.
First, second and third fin ishers, respectively, received cash prizes of Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 with citations.
Also, Rs 5,000 each was given to 7 runners as consolation prizes in both categories.