Manipur set to observe Players' Day State yet to acknowledge coaches' contribution
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 24 2018:
Department of Youth Affairs and Sports is all set to observe Players' Day at Khuman Lampak with Chief Minister N Biren, Minister YAS, Letpao Haokip and Boby Waikhom, Secretary YAS as dignitaries tomorrow.
The Players' Day is observed since February 25, 2000 marking the historic achievement of Manipur in the 5th National Games held in Imphal from February 14 to 25 in 1999 at Khuman Lampak and got the Raja Bhalendra Singh Trophy.
Manipur finished overall team champions in this National Games and to keep the spirit alive the State is observing February 25 as Players' Day every year and players with exceptional performances are continuosly honoured with awards and incentives since few years back but the State is yet to acknowledge the coaches and other support staff who have been playing a big role.
Coaches have been making selfless and relentless efforts to shape the future of the players day in day out are not even remembered when the State is celebrating the Players' day.
State Government often claims Manipur is the powerhouse of sports in India, sports and culture defines Manipur but still failed to recognised the very backbone of sports so far.
It is high time that State recognise all deserving contributors which make the players of the State most formidable force amongst other States of India.
Ranchi Games was the second best event in which Manipur secured the runners up title but the latter National Games saw a deteriorating Manipur.
A concerted effort from all quarters are required in order to retain the lost honour and the ensuing Goa Games should be an example to all that Manipur is still the best among all.