Union minister assures upgrade of sports facilities
Inauguration of National Sports University in October, 2025: Govindas
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 11 2024:
Union minister for youth affairs and sports Mansukh Mandaviya visited Loktak Lake on Sunday, where he interacted with young athletes and local leaders as part of his two-day tour aimed at engaging with the state's sports community and addressing local concerns.
On the other hand, works minister Govindas Konthoujam told media persons that the union minister has conveyed Centre's plan to inaugurate the National Sports University in October 2025 and also to improve infrastructure at the Regional Water Sports Complex, Takmu.
On his way back from Churachandpur, the minister visited the Loktak Lake Front Garden and a temporary jetty, where he was warmly welcomed by a contingent of young athletes undergoing training in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking at the Regional Water Sports Complex in Takmu.
The welcoming committee also included high level state government delegation, led by works minister K Govindas, alongside PHE minister L Susindro, Moirang MLA L Shanti, and Loktak Development Authority (LDA) chairman M Asnikumar.
During his visit, the minister engaged with the athletes, who voiced their concerns about inadequate equipment and facilities at the Regional Water Sports Complex.
Asnikumar, who is also president of Bishnupur District Canoeing & Kayaking Association, submitted a memorandum to the minister, highlighting these issues.
He also appealed for the union minister's support in sponsoring a national championship for canoeing, kayaking, and rowing in Loktak Lake within the current year.
In response, Mandaviya committed to enhancing the existing sports infrastructure and hinted at upgrade of existing facilities under SAI Centre of Excellence in Water Sports or by developing the complex as a campus of the National Sports University, Imphal, given its strategic location and existing resources.
The minister also emphasised that the Modi government's top priority is to harness the untapped potential of the youth, particularly in water sports, and expressed optimism about the future achievements of the young athletes from the Loktak Lake area.
Following the discussions, the minister went on a boat ride across Loktak Lake, accompanied by state government representatives.
During the ride, he underscored the importance of preserving Loktak as a natural treasure, and pledged full support of relevant ministries and agencies for the lake's rejuvenation, conservation, and sustainable development to protect the livelihoods of the communities who depend on it.
Before winding up the visit, Mandaviya expressed his intention to return to Manipur in the near future, with plans to visit the renowned Keibul Lamjao National Park, Karang Island, INA HQ Moirang, and to spend more time with the local communities to experience first-hand the cultural heritage associated with Loktak Lake and Moirang.
Interacting with the media at Imphal Airport before leaving, the minister acknowledged the sporting prowess of the state and assured more facilities to support the players and promote them so that they could bring more laurels to the nation.
He also confided about discussing the current situation in the state and different initiatives that could be taken up for the displaced people to provide them not only income generating opportunities also become entrepreneurs through skilling, start-ups and economic revival schemes.
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