AMUCO urges community bonding
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 23 2026: Calling for the preservation of indigenous games, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) president Sanjoy Sorokhaibam has called for community bonding among the North Eastern people through such games and cultural exchange.

He made the statement at the opening ceremony of the 1st North East Indigenous games & Cultural Meet 2026 held at Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) Ground, Kwakeithel.

It is set to conclude on February 25 .

Delegates from Tripura, Nagaland and Assam are participating in the meet to demonstrate their indigenous games and cultural items.

Jointly organised by AMUCO and Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) in association with the Yelhou Masana Yokkhat Kanglup (YMYL), the meet was also conducted at Jiribam district today.

Moreover, preparations are underway to host the meet at Kakching, Bishnupur and Thoubal on February 25, the last day.

Speaking as the functional president, Sanjoy Sorokhaibam said indigenous games help develop intrinsic skills such as team work, strategy and problem solving and provide a sense of identity and pride.

Unfortunately, the people of the North East appear to have neglected their valuable indigenous games.

But it is their bounden duty to preserve and protect them, he maintained.

The AMUCO president further said that indigenous games and sports can help preserve one's cultural heritage and traditions and foster community bonding and social connections.

On the topic of the Manipur crisis, he spoke about the plight of the IDPs and questioned why both the Central and State Government have not succeeded in safely rehabilitating them to their original homes.

It was not the Central or State forces that protected the State during the crisis but the village volunteers.

Asking if the wealthy class are not part of Manipuri society, he questioned their contributions and role in the conflict.

Shining a light on the numerous cases of IDP suicides, he blamed lack of Government oversight for these unfortunate state of affairs.

Under such circumstances, he stated that AMUCO hopes to initiate a transformative change in Manipur society.

Lastly, the AMUCO president maintained that the 1st North East Indigenous games & Cultural Meet 2026 was organised in recognition of the pressing need to bring development through a culture of sports and increased focus on culture and traditions.

Notable dignitaries present at the opening ceremony include Professor Paonam Gunindro, Vice Chancellor, Manipur University of Culture as the chief guest and Pukhrambam Bilash Singh, Director, JN Manipur Dance Academy; Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, Director, Youth Affairs & Sports; Dr L Phaomei, chairman, Zeliangrong Union; Meraimayum Salamat Ali, president All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs' Organisation (AMMPACO) and Nehkholal Haokip, vice president, Thadou Inpi Manipur as the guests of honour.

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