1st Sangai International Thang-Ta
Thang-Ta federation needs Govt's attention: Premkumar
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 05 2018:
Thang-Ta Federation of India has sought due attention and assistance from the State Government in order to develop the indigenous game and make it a world class discipline.
The State Government should play an active role in promoting the game of Thang-Ta at the international level and take up necessary steps so that the game is recognised by the concerned ministries.
This was said by Thang-Ta Federation of India's president Premkumar at a press meet held at Manipur Press Club in connection with the 1st Sangai Internation Thang-Ta Championship 2018 which will be held from November 22 to 24.Citing lack of fund for the championship which will feature around 220 players and officials from Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, Bangladesh and India, Premkumar sought financial assistance from the State Government for successful organisation of the said event.
He said that the championship is going to be a part of this year's Sangai Festival and would require around Rs 40 lakh for successful organisation but the Government has so far sanctioned only 2 lakh.
Premkumar also decried the change of venue of the said championship from Indoor Stadium Khuman Lampak to uncompleted multipurpose indoor hall which lack galleries as well in the wake of Sumo Wrestling demonstrations scheduled there.
Such differential treatment is not only saddening but also show that Thang-ta which is an integral part of the Manipuri society since time immemorial is being undermined by the State Government, he continued.
He also maintained that nobody has come forward to sponsor the Thang-ta championship which will be see athletes compete in the Phunaba-I and Phunaba-II events.
Stating that other contemporary indigenous disci- plines have been already recognised by relevant ministries, he expressed that the State Government lack political will to promote the game.
He also maintained that the Government is yet to fully recognise Thang-ta athletes and provide them due benefits including reservation in jobs and other institutes.
If the State government give due attention, Thang-ta could surely evolve into a stand out sports discipline in the international arena, he added.