SAI Director General Hari Ranjan Rao accorded warm reception at STC SAI Utlou
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, January 16 2026: A grand reception ceremony welcoming Secretary (Sports) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and Director General of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), Hari Ranjan Rao, who is on an official visit to Manipur, was held on Friday at the Sports Training Centre (STC), Sports Authority of India Campus, Utlou, in Bishnupur district.

The programme was organised by STC SAI, Utlou.

During the event, Director General of SAI, Hari Ranjan Rao was accorded a traditional welcome with the presentation of Lengyan, a mem,ento and a Manipuri traditional kokyet.

The programme was attended by Joint Secretary (Policy), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Dr Shobhit Jain (IRS) and Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur, Pooja Elangbam, along with several eminent sportspersons.

As part of the programme, players who won medals at various National-level sports events, including football, taekwondo and boxing, were felicitated by Hari Ranjan Rao.

who presented them with gifts in recognition of their achievements.

Following the reception, the Director General also inspected the STC SAI campus.

Speaking on the occasion, Hari Ranjan Rao said the centre, which has completed 35 years of its existence, has produced many outstanding sportspersons.

He noted that athletes trained at the centre, while availing hostel and other facilities, have gone on to compete in National and International championships, bringing pride to the State and the country.

Urging parents not to discourage their wards from pursuing sports, he said sports and education should go hand in hand and be equally promoted.

Expressing concern over players leaving sports after securing jobs despite achieving success at National and International levels, he termed it a loss to the Nation and appealed to athletes to continue their sporting careers with dedication and discipline.

Highlighting India's performance at the International levels, he said that despite India being one of the most populous countries in the world, the Nation's medal tally at the Olympics and other major international events remains unsatisfactory.

He stressed that with greater commitment, hard work and the right mindset, India can emulate countries like the United States in winning more medals.

He also called upon coaches, officials and sportspersons to work collectively with the determination to bring maximum medals for the country.

It may be noted that STC SAI, Utlou, ranked second among SAI centres across the country, was established in 2000 with three disciplines -boxing, taekwondo and weightlifting.

The centre later added football and currently imparts training in four disciplines.

The centre has produced 37 International medallists, including 9 in football, 24 in taekwondo and 4 in weightlifting.

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