Foundation stone of Rs 3.23 cr Olympic Bhavan laid
Without asking, sports-persons will be given jobs: Ibobi
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 31 2009: MANIPUR CHIEF Minister Okram Ibobi has affirmed that excellent sports persons who have won gold medals in the National Games would be given jobs without having to plead for it.

The Chief Minister was speaking at a function held to lay the foundation stone for the construction of Manipur Olympic Bhavan at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex which is estimated to cost around Rs 3.23 crore.

Chief Minister O Ibobi laid the foundation stone for construction of the Bhavan.

CM O Ibobi lays foundation stone of Olympic Bhavan; MOA president Bijoy Koijam, MLA I Hemochandra look on

While speaking at the function, the Chief Minister expressed his firm belief that the three storied building should be completed within the targetted period, that is one year.

The complex, once it is completed, would have different facilities such as Health Centre, Olympic Museum, Olympic Library, Confrence Hall, retaurant, auditorium, guest room, recreation hall, etc.

While speaking as chief guest, after laying the foundation stone as per religious ritual, Chief Minister Ibobi announced that all the sports persons of Manipur, who had won gold medals at Imphal in 1999 and in the 32nd National Games held at Guwahati would be given government jobs as per their educational qualifications.

For this, the sportspersons don't have to use any kind of influence through anybody, and won't have to plead anyone else, the Chief Minister said.

All sports-persons would be entitled to all facilities provided in the Manipur Sports Policy, Ibobi said.

He further said that the state government has submitted a proposal for Rs 100 crore to the 13th Finance Commission for maintenance of the sports infrastructure that were constructed for the Vth National Games that Manipur hosted.

Exuding confidence that the 13th Finance Commission would approve the proposal, Chief Minister instructed the officials concerned to properly maintain the water canal located in front of the site of the Olympic Bhavan.

He assured that the government would extend all possible cooperation so as to complete the construction of the Olympic Bhavan that would start from today before the onset of the monsoon season.

He said, recognising the sports talents of Manipur, the Centre has sanctioned the setting up of a National Sports Academy in Imphal.

He advised all concerned to maintain utmost quality in constructing the Sports Academy.

The Chief Minister, accompanied by officials, went round to inspect the site of the proposed National Sports Academy, accomodation of the sports persons, quarters of the officials and administrative block.

President of Manipur Olympic Association, MLA Bijoy Koijam, MLA I Hemochandra were also present at the foundation stone laying ceremony.

MLA Bijoy Koijam, who presided over the function, said, the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, which is most closely related with the sports persons of the state, is facing a lot of hardships as it is looked after by a Director in-charge.

He also appealed to the people of Manipur to extend cooperation towards speedy completion of the construction of the Sports Academy.