Govt mulls grants for sports clubs
CM inaugurates artificial football turf
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, December 12 2020:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh today inaugurated an artificial football turf at Langjing Achouba, Imphal West and handed it over to the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The football turf was constructed by the Water Resources Department at the cost of Rs 10 crore.
Addressing the inaugural function as chief guest, N Biren said that development in the field of sports and games is one of the ways to make youths of the State healthy and disciplined.
Adding that motivating youths to play games and sports by providing proper playgrounds would be much helpful in making the society drug addiction free, he stressed on the need of preserving playgrounds.
He maintained that the State Government is deeply concerned about development of sports sector and has been working to give grants to local sport clubs to ease their financial problems.
Stating that cash incentives of Rs 50 lakh each had been awarded to NEROCA and TRAU earlier for participating in the I-League, he added that the Government was planning to hand over cash incentive of the same amount to KRYPHSA Football Club.
Biren further said that the State Government had identified places in 16 districts of the State to construct hockey grounds.
He also added that the Government would try to construct gallery and changing room for the football turf inaugurated today.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip informed the gathering that the State Government had sent a proposal to the Centre for construction of mini stadiums in 32 sub-divisions of the State, of which four each had been selected in the valley districts and hill districts, and foundation stones for the same would be laid soon, he added.
He lauded players of the State for earning a prominent place in the map of games and sports.
He also stated that a proper playground is necessary in every village to hone the talent of youths and urged the people of the State to maintain sanctity of sports and not to bring in politics in the sector.
Education, Fisheries and CADA Minister Sorokhaibam Rajen Singh said that health, sports and education are the sectors which are keys to the development of a society and stressed on the need for development of proper playgrounds in every part of the State.
MLAs Km Akoijam Mirabai, RK Imo, L Rameshwor, Chief Secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, Principal Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam, Commissioner Kh Raghumani, Secretary to Chief Minister Ningthoujam Geoffrey, Officials of Youth Affairs and Sports Department and Water Resources Department and other sports persons also attended the function.