Anurag Thakur halls state's contribution in sports
Source: Chronicle News Service / PIB

Imphal, April 24 2023: A two-day 'Chintan Shivir of Youth Affairs and Sports Ministers of States/Union Territories' started off at the City Convention Centre, here, on Monday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the gathering virtually.

The inaugural session of the 'Chintan Shivir' was attended by Union minister of youth affairs and sports (YAS) Anurag Singh Thakur, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh Banwari Lal Purohit, Manipur chief minister N Biren, Union minister of state for YAS Nisith Pramanik, YAS secretary (Youth Affairs) Meeta R Lochan, secretary (Sports) Sujata Chaturvedi and state's chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, among others.

Delivering the keynote address of the discourse, Union minister Anurag Thakur stated that despite having small population of just 36 lakh people, Manipur has contributed a lot in the held of sports, compared to other bigger states.

Acknowledging the contribution, PM Narendra Modi had sanctioned development of the first NSU in the state and an approximate amount of Rs 900 crore will be spent on developing the University, he added.

The Union minister also spoke on the popularity of indigenous games of Manipur, adding that the central government had also adopted many indigenous games in the Khelo India.

He further emphasised that central and state governments should come together and have and open discussion on how to promote sports in their respective states.

Anurag Thakur also mentioned the achievements of sportspersons of the state, who brought laurels for the country and commended the sportswomen who had made the country proud and hoped that other states will give extra efforts in producing more players who could add to the pride.

He suggested to the participating sports ministers to share their experience and showcase what initiatives they had taken up to develop sports infrastructure in their respective states.

He further asked them to learn from the experiences of one another and stressed the need to work together to make India a sports superpower.

Speaking on the occasion, CM N Biren opined that holding such a conference in Imphal also recognises and highlights the significant contributions made by Manipuri sportspersons and youth towards nation building.

Expressing gratitude to the Union Ministry of YAS for approving the opening of 32 Khelo India Centres across 16 districts of the state, he stated that Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in three sports disciplines of Archery, Hockey and Weightlifting would also start very soon.

He informed that NSU is nearing completion and the varsity would play an important role in shaping the future of sports in India.

The state government is extending every possible support to promote sports culture and sportspersons in the state, he added.

N Biren further informed that upgrade of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex through PPP model and as External Aided Projects is also underway.

Integration of Sports Science, use of Artificial Intelligence and video analysis in the training of young budding athletes in collaboration with private partners will help in developing sports in the state, he noted.

The CM continued that the state has a proud and vibrant sporting history and culture, adding that sportspersons from Manipur have brought laurels to India, in various disciplines of sports and produced numerous medallists, including 19 Olympians, despite its small population.

Biren expressed confidence that the deliberations in the National Conference would help shape a framework for state governments and stakeholders towards charting a trajectory for the country towards growth and development of youth and sports.

Under pioneering initiatives like Khelo India, the government- continues to create the ideal environment for sports to thrive in India.

"As we mark five years of Khelo India, the scheme has proved to be a catalyst in turning India into a sporting nation, giving a platform to grassroots athletes and building sports infrastructure across the country," he said.

Union MoS for YAS Nisith Pramanik, in his address to the gathering, said that the government is formulating new schemes for the promotion of sports in the country.

He said that Manipur is befitting place to host the conference and a place for inspiration among the states to encourage each other and work together for promotion of sports.

The conference was also attended by Manipur YAS minister Govindas Konthoujam and ministers and senior officials of YAS of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Punjab, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan Youth Board chairman, etc.

A photo exhibition organised by Central Bureau of Communication, Regional Office, Imphal was also inaugurated by Anurag Thakur along with Nisith Pramanik.

The photo exhibition is on 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', 'Mission LIFE', '9 Saal Seva', 'Sushasan and 'Garib Kalyan' as part of the Chintan Shivir.

Presentation and interactive sessions on the topics 'Yuva Portal, Restructuring the National Youth Festival, Overview of Khelo India and other Schemes of Government of India, Innovation in Sport Sector' were held in the technical sessions of the 'Chintan Shivir' .

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