Consultative meet on youth policy, sports policy kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, October 16 2026:
A two-day consultative meeting on Manipur State Youth Policy 2026 and Manipur State Sports Policy 2026 was opened today in the canteen hall of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex today .
The inaugural session of the consultative meeting organised by the Youth Affairs and Sports Department was graced by YAS Minister Govindas Kon-thoujam, YAS Secretary N Praveen, YAS Director Dr Mayengbam Veto, Drona-charya Awardee L Ibomcha an Olympian and Padma Shree Awardee N Kunjarani as presidium members.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Govindas Konthoujam said Manipur's rich sporting heritage and the natural talent of its youth must be supported through proper guidance, scientific training and a strong institutional framework.
He emphasised that the Manipur State Youth Policy 2026 and the Manipur State Sports Policy 2026 are essential to address changing needs and create better opportunities for the younger generation.
Recalling the evolution of sports policies in the State, he said Manipur's first sports policy was drafted in 1992 in line with the National Sports Policy of 1984 and was later updated in 2003 alongside the Youth Policy.
He said changing trends and developments in sports and youth affairs made it necessary to revise the policies to meet present-day needs.
Highlighting Manipur's achievements, Govindas Konthoujam said the State had produced 19 Olympians, reflecting its remarkable sporting potential.
However, he stressed that sustaining such achievements required a shift towards scientific talent identification, modern coaching techniques and specialised support for athletes.
Referring to Khelo Bharat Niti, 2025, he said developments at the National level had further underscored the need to strengthen the State's sports policy.
The proposed Manipur State Sports Policy, 2026, seeks to build a modern, inclusive and athlete-centric sports ecosystem through scientific talent scouting, improved infrastructure, high-performance training, athlete welfare and transparent governance.
It also aims to strengthen coordination among Government departments, educational institutions, sports associations, local bodies and private stakeholders, the YAS Minister said.
The Manipur State Youth Policy 2026 seeks to address this need by promoting education, entrepreneurship, leadership, sports, health, culture, digital empowerment and social cohesion.
The policy envisions young people as active contributors to peace, progress, innovation and sustainable development.
It aims to empower them to become self-reliant and socially responsible while preserving the State's cultural identity and preparing them to meet emerging challenges, Govindas said.
YAS Secretary N Praveen said that the policies must remain responsive to changing trends, emerging challenges and the aspirations of young people.
Highlighting the relationship between education and sports, he said schools and sports institutions must work in coordination to enable young people pursue education while developing their sporting abilities.
He observed that the separation of the two sectors often limited opportunities for promising young athletes.
YAS Director Dr Mayengbam Veto said the consultation was being undertaken in line with the broader national approach to youth development, including Khelo Bharat Niti, 2025, and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to youth engagement.
Observing that sports development had traditionally focused largely on physical infrastructure and playgrounds, Dr Veto said the approach now needed to be more comprehensive.
He stressed the importance of integrating talent identification, scientific training, athlete welfare, policy planning and institutional support to meet contemporary sporting requirements.
He said the department was gathering views from sports personalities, coaches, administrators, sports journalists and other stakeholders to ensure that the proposed policies were practical and relevant.
Public feedback would also be sought to further strengthen the policy documents before their finalisation.
The Director also highlighted the role of corporate social responsibility initiatives, sports entrepreneurs, incubation centres and skill development institutions in supporting youth-oriented programmes.
He said collaboration with these stakeholders could help mobilise resources, expand opportunities and strengthen implementation despite financial limitations.
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