CM hosts blessing ceremony for State NE Games contingent
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, March 15 2024: A blessing ceremony of Manipur State contingent participating in the 3rd North East Games-2024 was held today at the Chief Minister's Secretariat, with Chief Minister N Biren Singh handing over the Manipur Olympic Association's flag to the Chef de Mission of Manipur contingent.

A contingent of 338 athletes from Manipur including 19 officials will be participating in the 3rd North East Games, 2024 to be hosted by Nagaland from March 18 to 23.Athletes from different North East States will compete in 15 different disciplines including Archery, Athletic, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Football, Lawn Tennis, Pencak Silat, Sepak Takraw, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Volleyball, Belt Wrestling, Wrestling and Wushu.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Minister N Biren Singh appreciated the athletes for upholding the professionalism of sports, even during the rough phase the State is currently passing through.

The Chief Minister stated that Sports University is being set up in the State, recognising the contribution of the players from Manipur.

He continued that the State Government had also taken up various sports infrastructure development work citing the setting up of a "Digital Experience Centre" and Manipur Olympian Park among others.

He reiterated the State Government's announcement to provide Government jobs to all the gold medallists of the 36th and the 37th National Games held at Gujarat and Goa respectively.

He also spoke on welfare schemes introduced for players like CM's Sportsperson Livelihood Guarantee Scheme, Pension scheme for unemployed sportsperson, Khungang Ama Sanabung Ama and others.

Concluding his speech, N Biren asked the participating athletes to maintain discipline during the games.

"We can achieve our goal if we try hard," he added.

He also extended his best wishes to the participating team and expressed hope that the team would become overall champions for the third time while appreciating the officials of Manipur Olympic association for their efforts to groom young players.

Water Resources Minister Awangbow Newmai, MLAs Khongbantabam Ibomcha, Thangjam Arunkumar, Sapam Kunjakeswor, functionaries of Manipur Olympic Associations, coaches and athletes also attended the blessing ceremony.

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