'Run for Nongin' raises awareness on state bird
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, May 17 2025: In a bid to raise awareness about the preservation of Manipur's state bird, the Nongin, the 7 Sisters Foundation, with support from the Ukhrul Forest Department and the Manipur Olympic Association (MOA), organised a sporting event titled 'Run for Nongin' in the run-up to the state-level Shirui Lily Festival 2025.The event - comprising two components, namely a Marathon and a Trash Collection Race - was flagged off by Ukhrul DFO Geetla Laishram from the Union Baptist Church campus, Phungreitang, in the presence of Ukhrul DC Ashish Das, Senapati DFO Shanngam Shali, MOA representative L Robert Meitei, 7 Sisters Foundation president Sunny Shimrah, Ukhrul Traffic Police OC Barnabas, and officials from the district administration and Forest Department, among others.

DC Ashish Das lauded the organisers for their initiative aimed at raising awareness about Nongin preservation, describing the event as a beneficial form of physical exercise for participants.

Flagging off the event, Geetla stated that the event was organised with the dual objectives of championing the cause of preserving Nongin - an emblem of state pride - and promoting a clean and healthy environment.

Representing the MOA, L Robert Meitei, who is also the proprietor of Royal Gym Ukhrul, noted that if the district commits its forests to the conservation of Nongin, there could one day be a Nongin festival in Ukhrul.

He encouraged young participants to aim not just for championship titles or prizes, but also to avoid drugs and maintain their health, while enhancing Manipur's reputation as a powerhouse of sports.

The Marathon race saw participation from 273 youths from across the state and beyond, covering a distance of 15 km to the foothill of Shirui Kashong, while the Trash Collection Race, which attracted 116 young runners, spanned 1.3 km to Bakshi Ground, Dungrei Junction.

In the Marathon event, Wede Tmero (Jersey No 066) from Phek district, Nagaland, clinched first place, earning Rs 30,000 and a certificate.

Thotngacheirin Hunphun Luiyi (Jersey No 153) and Ringhorsem Muinao (Jersey No 155) both from Ukhrul district secured second and third places, winning Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000, respectively.

Additionally, ten consolidation prizes of Rs 2,500 each were awarded.

In the trash collection race, Grace Shatsang (Jersey No 482) took first place by collecting 11 kilograms and 240 grams of trash, receiving Rs 20,000 and a certificate.

Minganing Angkang (Jersey No 408) gathered 9 kilograms and 450 grams, earning Rs 10,000 for second place, while Rinmiwon Makang (Jersey No 504) collected 8 kilograms and 540 grams, winning Rs 5,000 for third place.

All the participants in both events were acknowledged with a certificate each.

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