IPSA lauds sportspersons, moots proper sports policy
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 11 2021: International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) has extended its appreciation to the sportspersons and their respective coaches who have brought laurels and recognition to the state.

In a statement, IPSA said that once independent "Kangleipak" (Manipur)" kingdom is now under heavy oppression.

Of the 228 member contingent that represented India at the Tokyo Olympics; 5 of them, namely MC Mary Kom, P Sushila, S Mirabai, L Sushila and S Nilakanta from Manipur were able to showcase their performance and might of Manipur, something which IPSA will never forget.

During the history of the Olympic Games and Asian Games from 1984 till 2020; Manipuri players P Nilkamal (Hockey), Ksh Thoiba (Hockey), Ng Dinku (Boxing), S Suresh (Boxing), L Brojeshori (Judo), Th Sanamacha (Weight-lifting), L Bombayla (Archery), MC Mary Kom (Boxing), L Devendro (Boxing), Ng Sonia Chanu (Weight-lifting), Kh Kothajit (Hockey), Th Anuradha (Hockey), K Chinglensana (Hockey), S Mirabai Chanu (Weightlifting), P Sushila (Hockey) and Kh Kothajit (Hockey) have left their mark.

Additionally, N Maipak won the Mr India title in 1970.Thus, it is important to remember the contributions of these resilient individuals.

On the other hand, the indigenous martial art form Thang-ta continues to be neglected by the authorities till date.

The players of this discipline are yet to receive any benefits or the requisite infrastructure, which is a loss for the state in the long term.

While other states are trying their best to uplift their indigenous art forms, Manipur is just standing by idly, IPSA said.

It then appreciated the truck drivers who gave Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu free rides from her residence till the training centre in Khuman Lampak, adding that such sincere help played a vital role in scripting Mirabai's success story.

On the other hand, it is disheartening to learn that the government is failing to uplift the sportspersons of the state from grassroots level, especially in the case of the Judo player who was forced to sell a private vehicle to pay for the trip to compete at the Tokyo Olympics.

Although the sportspersons are showered with praises and gifts after winning, the best course of action would be to extend necessary support from the early stages so they could proudly represent the state without any burdens.

"The same support could be given to those in the field of art and culture", it said.

IPSA maintained: "Manipur is called as powerhouse of sports in India and as such, a proper sports policy should be formulated including providing necessary infrastructure equipment to the players.

Additionally, the financially sound NGOs in the state could extend their support in the matter.

Sports associations that are affiliated to Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Department should stop all disputes and focus on the development of the players.

The recent personal level kind of interaction between the government and sportspersons could serve as a form of encouragement, while steps could be taken up to provide opportunities to state sportspersons working outside Manipur so as to help them return to the state" .

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