Sports in Manipur is a culture; it is deep rooted and inherent in the character of everyone. While only research can establish what makes Manipur so good in sports, I have a hunch that our basic arrogant nature might be a contributing factor in the tussle for dominance. Whatever the case, Manipur’s power of sports is now appreciated and loved by all around the globe. It is exactly this which makes the general responsibility of Manipur much more critical now than ever before.

New Minister’s Enthusiasm: In order to maintain our national dominance and enhance our international presence, Manipur needs a ever fresher effort and endeavour. In this context the enthusiasm of the new minister in charge of sports is appreciated. His enthusiasm also gives us an opportunity to renew our commitment to fostering sports in our land.

Emotional: In this land where nothing seems to be in proper shape and most of the organisations are in disarray, if one happens to move about the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, one would not be able to help to feel so elated as to shed tears of joy. The complex immediately causes a disbelief as well as a rightful pride. Such facilities can be imagined in rich and developed countries, like the United States of America, but it is a reality in Manipur. The complex is an island of progress, strength and future.

But Much More: Having said all these, I would like to add that we need to give attention to some urgent issues for a sustained basis. We have to keep on working harder, as said above, even to remain in the current position. But the facilities we have created are not something we can create every now and then.

This immediately tells us that we have to maintain and sustain these. Here we must remember the fundamental difference sports facilities have as distinct from others. Unlike others sports facilities are to be maintained while at the same time subjecting them to maximum use. We have to create an atmosphere of invitation for utilisation as well as a spirit of maintenance.

While it is the responsibility of the general public to respond appropriately to the facilities, the main responsibility for maintenance is for the government. I have recent had the fortune of access to the facilities of the complex for a few days early in the morning. While I am absolutely elated at the prevalence of such a complex in our land, I am equally disturbed by the lack of maintenance. The issue of maintenance has three dimensions. First, if we do not maintain on a regular basis, the cost of maintenance at a later date becomes prohibitive. Secondly, if we do not maintain on a regular basis, there is a probability of the facility itself crumbling. Thirdly, if the second becomes a reality, given the fiscal condition of the State, we may not be in a position to create a similar facility.

These being so, it is imperative that we maintain the facility on a constant basis; we have to control the grasses, we have to maintain the concrete structures, we have to maintain the very sports facilities for various disciplines and what not.

But maintenance calls for two inputs, one of expenses and another of manpower. As far as I understand, fiancé is no longer a constraint in the development and maintenance of sports facilities in Manipur. Here we must emphasise that no group of any kind should ever indulge in anything to compromise the quality of sports and sports facilities in the State.

The government also needs to prove its power of governance at least in areas concerning sports. One example immediately coming to mind is the non-completion of construction of a shallower swimming pool for learner children reportedly due to various interventions for contract work from various quarters. If this is so, nothing can be more unfortunate than this and nothing can be a better proof of the lack of will for governance in the State.

Besides finance, we need manpower to oversee the facilities and nurture them like own children. We not only need to have adequate manpower to oversee, but also see to it that they have adequate incentives to perform. We should go extra miles if needed in the interest of sports in the State. The appropriate response of the government to the manpower requirements and the commitment of the involved manpower are fundamentally needed now. In my recent exposure to the complex, I was really impressed by the involvement of coaches of different disciplines towards training their wards.

I am convinced that other States would find it hard to catch up with us. Having said this, I would like to hasten that there seems to be a divergence between the involvement of some and the return they are getting. One example I am aware of relates to the Swimming Pool where my son had the fortune of access during the recent school break, thanks to the department. The involvement of the coaches is plain wonderful.

There was also another person whom I initially thought to be a coach, but turned out to be the care-taker. His involvement in taking care of the facilities and the training of the children made me feel that he must be getting adequate incentives from the employer. But I found out that the opposite was the case, and it really pained me. I must emphasise that he should be appropriately rewarded in the ends of justice and nurturing sports in the State.

In the End: The bottom-line of my argument is that (a) no organisation should act in a way to compromise the quality of sports facilities in the State; (b) the government should respond to the quality of sportspersons in the State through a will for governance and a firm commitment to maintain the facilities created; and (c) the involved manpower should be appropriately and adequately rewarded to sustain our dominance in sports. One more thing: every parent should realise that what the coaches deliver are professional inputs, and nobody whatsoever he may be (including police officers in the swimming pool) should make the deliver process ugly by their unwarranted involvement.