Movement to promote unity, resilience planned
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 28 2024: Five student organisations, which include AIMS, DESAM, KSA and SUK, have announced their plan to launch a movement aimed at fostering national unity and community building through sports, with a focus on making the younger generation to become more resilient.

This initiative was revealed during a press conference held at the DESAM office in Kwakeithel, here, on Saturday.

DESAM secretary general Nongthombam Thoithoiba, while addressing the press meet, emphasised the importance of sports in promoting both physical and mental well-being.

He highlighted how sports reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also helping to steer youth away from substance abuse.

Health and sports are directly correlated, Thoithoiba said, adding that sports contribute to societal prosperity and act as a powerful tool for community building and national unity by transcending political, ethnic, and religious divides.

He cited South Africa's victory in the 1995 Rugby World Cup, which became a symbol of national reconciliation in a country previously divided by Apartheid.

In a similarly polarised society, Thoithoiba stressed, sports could play a crucial role in rebuilding a unified identity.

Citing other global examples, he noted how Brazil takes pride in football, Canada in ice hockey, and Cuba in boxing, just as Manipur takes pride in its traditional sports like Sagol Kangjei, from which modern polo was derived, and Thang-Ta, which reflect the state's rich cultural heritage and civilizational history.

Sports bring together people from diverse backgrounds and foster a spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship, Thoithoiba said.

He also highlighted the role of sports in instilling self-esteem, social skills, and a sense of responsibility, discipline, and fairness in the youth.

However, Thoithoiba expressed concern over the current state of affairs, pointing to the rampant corruption, favouritism, even in sports associations, and the growing influence of politicians in sports administration.

He warned that if these trends continue, Manipur could lose its title as the "sports powerhouse of India".

In response, the five student bodies have resolved to spearhead a movement that prioritises rebuilding of community values, with a special emphasis on sports.

Thoithoiba called upon sports organisations and enthusiasts to support and cooperate with the initiative.

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