YAS Ministers' conference kicks off ; Manipur to set up football academy with aid from Argentina
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 24 2023: Chief Minister N Biren has stated that a football academy would be set up in the State in collaboration between Argentina Football Academy and the State Government.

On the other hand, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur has stressed on the need for the Centre and States to come together for promotion of games and sports in the country, by sharing ideas and strategies on developing the sector.

Anurag Singh Thakur was addressing the inaugural session of a conference (Chintan Shivir) of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of different States and Union Territories at the City Convention Centre here today.

The Chintan Shivir will continue till tomorrow.

YAS Ministers' conference kicks off ; Manipur to set up football academy with aid from Argentina

The Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister thanked Chief Minister N Biren Singh for the warm welcome and beautiful arrangement made for the Chintan Shivir.

Stating that this year's conference is the third Chintan Shivir of YAS Ministers, he said that youths are the largest stakeholder of the country and have a very important role in Nation building.

He further stressed the necessity of organizing such conferences in every State to develop the sports sector from the grassroots level.

Anurag Singh Thakur said that Manipur has contributed a lot in the field of sports, despite its small population compared to other larger States.

Acknowledging the contribution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose Manipur for opening the first National Sports University.

An approximate amount of Rs 900 crore will be spent for developing the university, he added.

He spoke on the popularity of indigenous games of Manipur, adding that the Central Government had also adopted many indigenous games in the Khelo India Programme.

He further mentioned the importance of promoting traditional games at the international level.

Anurag Singh Thakur also spoke on the achievements of sportspersons of the State, mentioning the names of sports personalities who had brought laurels for the country at National and international sporting events.

He mentioned the contribution of different States in different disciplines of sports, adding that women players had brought much achievement for the country.

Concluding his speech, Anurag Thakur suggested the participating sports Ministers of different States and Union Territories to share their experience and showcase what initiatives they had taken up to develop sports infrastructure in their respective States.

He also asked them to learn from the experiences of one another and stressed the need to work together to make India a sports superpower.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister, Manipur N Biren Singh extended a warm welcome to all the participants of the National Conference of Ministers of Youth Affairs and Sports of States and Union Territories, adding that the State is honoured to host such an event.

He observed that holding such a conference in Imphal also recognizes and highlights the significant contributions made by Manipuri sportspersons and youth towards Nation building.

Biren stated that the State Government would collaborate with the Argentina Football Academy to set up a football academy in the State.

The Chief Minister continued that the State has a proud and vibrant sporting history and culture, adding that sportspersons from Manipur have brought laurels to India in various disciplines and produced numerous medallists, including 19 Olympians, despite its small population.

N Biren exuded confidence that the deliberations in the National conference would help shape a framework for State Governments and stakeholders towards charting a trajectory for the country towards growth and development of youth and sports.

Under pioneering initiatives like Khelo India, the Government continues to create a conducive environment for sports to thrive in India.

"As we mark 5 years of Khelo India, the scheme has proved to be a catalyst in turning India into a sporting Nation, giving a platform to grassroots athletes and building sports infrastructure across the country", he added.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India approved the opening of 32 Khelo India Centres across 16 districts of the State.

Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in three sports disciplines of Archery, Hockey and Weightlifting would also start very soon, he said.

He also informed that construction of National Sports University (NSU) is nearing completion and added that the university would play an important role in shaping the future of sports in India.

The Chief Minister maintained that the State Government is extending every possible support to promote sports culture and sportspersons in the State.

Biren further informed that upgradation of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex through PPP model and as an external aided project is also underway.

Integration of Sports Science, use of artificial intelligence and video analysis in the training of young budding athletes in collaboration with private partners will help in developing sports in the State, he said.

He expressed confidence that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India would harness its vast sporting talent effectively and would emerge as a great sporting Nation.

At the beginning of the programme, a short video message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was telecast, in which the Prime Minister spoke on the contribution of North East States, especially Manipur in the field of sports and the importance of the conference.

Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh Banwarilal Purohit, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Nisith Pramanik, YAS Minister of different States and Union Territories, Secretary (Sports) and Secretary (Youth Affairs), Chief Secretary, Manipur and senior officials of Government of India and various State Governments also attended the inaugural programme, among others.

The Chintan Shivir would have sessions on various topics including Yuva Portal, Restructuring the National Youth Festival, Overview of Khelo India and other schemes of Government of India, Innovation in Sport Sector, Issue and Challenges in Sports Governance and Improving engagement among stakeholders in sports sector.