International Women's Day celebrated across Manipur with sports, awareness and community programmes
Source: The Sangai Express / DIOs

Ukhrul/Senapati/Bishnupur/Thoubal, March 08 2026: International Women's Day was celebrated across several districts of Manipur on Sunday with a series of sports activities, awareness programmes and community initiatives highlighting the theme of women's empowerment and participation.

UKHRUL

In Ukhrul district, the District Administration of Ukhrul, in collaboration with the Zonal Education Office, Ukhrul, District Programme Officer (ICDS Cell), Ukhurl, One Stop Centre, Mera Yuva Bharat and the District Youth Affairs and Sports Office, Ukhrul jointly organised the celebration of International Women's Day at the DRDA Hall, Mini Secretariat, Hamleikhong.

Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Asish Das, attended the programme as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, he noted that this year marked the 115th celebration of International Women's Day since its inception in 1911, under the theme "Give to Gain: Empowering Women Through Sports".

He extended warm greetings to all women and acknowledged their immense contributions to society.

He stated that women play a crucial role as drivers of change and progress in the community.

As part of the celebration, the chief guest distributed prizes to the winners of the six-a-side women's football tournament and various literary competitions.

Meanwhile, in a separate programme, Mera Yuva Bharat organised the Asmita Khelo India athletic competitions at Bakshi Ground, Hungpung, Ukhrul.

The event was also graced by Deputy Commissioner Asish Das as the chief guest.

SENAPATI

Senapati District joined the global celebration of International Women's Day today with a sports meet and awareness programme held at Astro Turf Ground, Senapati.

The event was organised by Mera Yuva Bharat (MYB) Senapati in co-ordination with the District Youth Affairs and Sports Office (DY ASO), Senapati, Khelo India Centre Senapati, Senapati District Indigenous Wrestling Academy and the Badminton Association, Senapati.

W Paulina Monsang, Deputy Director of MYB, Senapati, delivered the welcome address and introduced the ASMITA initiative, a flagship programme under the Khelo India scheme aimed at promoting women in sports.

She urged participants to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and recognise the long-term benefits of physical fitness beyond just winning competitions.

Deputy Commissioner of Senapati, Mamoni Doley who attended the program as chief guest, extended her warm wishes to the women and girls of the district.

She remarked that while the day is designated for celebrating women, the spirit of mutual support and appreciation should be practiced every day.

She encouraged the gathering especially the young girls to seize opportunities and excel in their chosen fields without selfdoubt.

Delivering the special address, Koshia Mao, Public Prosecutor and Government Advocate, spoke on the theme "Give to Gain", stating that supporting and investing in women contributes significantly to overall societal progress.

She highlighted the legal protections and educational rights guaranteed to women under the Indian Constitution, describing them as vital safeguards.

She urged the audience to be bold in claiming these rights and cited several exemplary women who have achieved remarkable success in various professions.

The programme was also attended by PS John Longkhaye, Youth Officer, DYASO, Senapati, Pforkrehrii, Khelo India Badminton Mentor, Senapati, PS Khopuh, Khelo India Indigenous Wrestling Mentor, and students.

The International Women's Day was also celebrated at Karim Hall, Maram, organised by the Manipur Catholic Women Organisation (MCWO), in collaboration with 16 Assam Rifles.

Held on the theme "Give to Gain", the programme was graced by Col Sandeep Sharma, Commanding Officer of 16 AR, Maram, as the chief guest, and Peter Khrasi, IRS (Retd), former chairman, Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes as resource person.

BISHNUPUR

In Bishnupur, the International Women's Day was also observed today at Takmu Water Sports Complex, Sendra Road, with the organisation of Asmita Women's Athletic and Rowing League, 2026.The event was jointly organised by the Bishnupur District Rowing Association, Women's Committee, Moirang College, and My Bharat, Bishnupur.

The programme was attended by MLA of Moirang AC, Thongam Shanti; Bishnupur District Canoeing and Kayaking Association, president, M Ashnikumar; Bishnupur District Olympic Association president N Mangi; My Bharat Bishnupur, Jt Director, S Dhanachandra; and Dr Mairembam Rita, Associate Prof of Political Science at Moirang College as presidium members.

As part of the celebration, students of Moirang College, members of the Women's Committee and NSS volunteers also held a rally from Takmu Water Complex to Moirang Kangjeibung Ground on the theme "Give for Gain".

Later a 100 metre race and a rowing competition for girls were also conducted, with winners receiving medals and certificates in recognition of their performances.

THOUBAL

International Women's Day was observed with a community awareness at Samaram village in Thoubal district on Sunday, focusing on women's health, empowerment and awareness.

The programme was organised by Chhabi Sewa Foundation, Manipur Prant, in collaboration with Mon Indigenous Culture and Welfare Society, Arunachal Pradesh, with support from Chabbi Vishwa Foundation and Samaram Youth Voluntary, Manipur The event was attended by Dr Mirinda Thoudam.

Oncologist, Manipur Health Services, along with Dr Kh Umme and Dr Th Kamala Devi, Women's Head of Chhabi Sewa Foundation, Manipur Prant.

Also present on the occasion were Prem Singh, Men's Head of Chabbi Sewa Foundation, Partha Roy, Director of the Foundation, along with members of CSF Manipur Prant including N Bilash, L Mithun, Ch Deven, I Haridas, Kh Biken, and N Bihari.

During the programme, emphasis was laid on cancer awareness and screening, highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention.

Special attention was given to the promotion of HPV vaccination for girls, a key initiative of the Govt of India aimed at preventing cervical cancer.

An additional session on Pranic Healing was also conducted, highlighting holistic approaches to health and wellbeing.

The International Women's Day was also observed at Panthoibi Lampak, Keirak, organised by the Village Level Federations (VLFs) of Keirak Gram Panchayat, under the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission, and in collaboration with the Keirak Gram Panchayat.

The event was attended by Keirak Gram Panchayat, pradhan Elangbam Shanti Leima; former Upa Pradhan of Keirak GP, Yumnam Ratan; Keirak Apunba Meira Paibi president Loitongbam Binoshakhi Leima; and secretary Mayengbam Thourani; among others as presidium members.

Members of several Village Level Federations also took part in the programme.

Meanwhile, in connection with the International Women's Day, a one-day blood donation camp was organised today at Thoubal District Hospital.

Held under the theme "Red is Life-Give to Gain", the camp was organised by the Integrated Rural Development Service Organisation (IRDSO), Wangjing, in collaboration with Indian Red Cross Society, Thoubal District.

During the camp, a total of 15 individuals, including 8 women and 7 men, donated their blood.

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