MSF, others celebrate Players Day across state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 25 2025: Manipuri Students' Federation (MSF) in association with Manipur University Students' Union (MUSU) commemorated Players' Day by organising the 7th Manipur Players' Day Invitational Football Championship at Manipur University football ground on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, MSF president Hijam Roshan emphasised the role of sports in keeping the youths away from substance abuse, and called upon the people of the state to keep the society free from drugs and other intoxicants.

He spoke on the contribution of players in promoting the state located in the Western South East Asia region securing its own place in the global arena of sports, and how February 25 was adopted as Manipur Players' Day by former chief minister (late) Wahengbam Nipamacha commemorating the day the state won overall champions title of the 5th National Games the state had hosted in 1999.Roshan also highlighted the prevalence of substance abuse in the state citing data from the National Survey on Social Justice conducted by ministry of social justice, which put Manipur among the top states with maximum number of substance abuse (in terms of percentage to population), and the increasing trend, especially among women and students in school boarding or hostel.

He linked the disturbing trend with the illicit trafficking and drug trades spearheaded by men with wealth and power.

He called upon the local clubs, Meira Paibi groups and common people for concerted efforts to counter the menace of substance abuse, and also highlighted the importance of awareness, discussion, seminars, campaigns and thematic competitions as effective preventive interventions.

He emphasised on demand reduction as well as supply reduction interventions as the key to fight the menace and to save the society from it.

He further explored the angle of a stealth drug warfare in order to suppress the state and its people, which according to him involves divisive policies to create division among the communities among others.

MSF has been celebrating the day for past many years with focus on awareness against substance abuse and preventive intervention through sports.

Youth should play their part in bringing positive changes in the society and make themselves into accomplished persons.

He also delved on the roles and responsibilities of parents, elders and teachers in this area, and also highlighted MSF's campaign against drugs.

Roshan further urged the government to be proactive in intervention policies, and also to promote indigenous sports like Mukna, Sagol Kangjei, Yubi Lakpi, Thang-Ta among others.

DESAM president Mayengbam Somorjit, KSA president Sukham Bidyananda, SUK president N Dhanakumar, AIMS president Oinam Nikarson, and MUSU president Nongthombam Surajkumar among others Were also present at the event as presidium members.

A two-minute silence was also observed in memory of the martyrs who gave their lives to protect the state and its people in the current crisis.

On the other hand, Social Youth Organisation (SOYO) celebrated the day with an exhibition football match, tug of war, and other games at Sanjenbam Football ground, Imphal West.

Mayang Langjing ZP former member K Sohodeva, Lairenkabi Kadangband GP chairperson N Bobi, SOYO vice-president M Nilamani, retired headmaster Kh Shamungou, local senior citizens Ch Amuchou and S Momba Singh, Phayeng Apunba Nupi Lup president A Tomalli, Lairenkabi Apunba Meira Paibi Lup president Ch Pakpi and Sanjenbam Apunba Meira Paibi Lup secretary S Sunita attended the event as special invitees.

Students of Kanglei Thang-Ta Sindamshang, Maklang performed Thang Leiteng Haiba, Heijang Thinba, and Thang Chungoi Chainaba.

The exhibition football match was played between Sanjenbam FC and Phayeng FC, which the former won 2-1 .

Wangoo Popular Club under the aegis of All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) also celebrated the day at Wangoo with different sporting events.

AMUCO assistant general secretary N Lokendro, United Clubs' Organisation of Bishnupur District (UCOBID) president W Basanta, vice-president Shanti Luwang, and secretary general L Premjit, Wangoo GP former pradhan A Keshojit, and former ward member A Amubi attended the function as members on the dais.

Apunba Manipur Huyen Lanlong Lup, Wangkhei Thangjam Leikai also celebrated the day at different branch offices and schools where Thang-Ta is offered as a subject.

The day was celebrated under the themes of promoting indigenous games including Thang-Ta, and bring about a well-mannered society.

Thang-Ta performances were showcased during the events.

Comment