MOA holds seminar on 'Nationalism in Manipur Sports'
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 12 2024: Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) organised a one-day seminar-cum workshop on 'Nationalism in Manipur Sports' at the Olympic Bhavan, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, here, on Monday.

The discourse had sports officials, academics, and former government officials discussing the role of nationalism in sports and the challenges faced by athletes in the state.

Speaking at the seminar, vice-president M Rachandra highlighted MOA's collaborative efforts with various organisations and district units across 36 sports disciplines to enhance the performance of athletes at the state, regional, national, and international levels.

He praised the dedication and hard work of players and coaches, which have helped Manipur maintain its status as a sports powerhouse.

The state, he noted, emerged as the overall champions of the 5th National Games and won the prestigious Raja Dumbra Award.

However, Rachandra expressed concern over the declining performance in the U-14 and U-15 categories, attributing it to lack of coaches, equipment, and infrastructure.

He also pointed out that the suspension of the Sports Development Programme by the Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) department and the absence of the director of SAI-NERC in Imphal have adversely affected sports activities in the state.

Additionally, several coaching programmes have been cancelled affecting the sports sector in the state.

Rachandra also raised concerns that Manipur's athletes may not be able to perform at their best in the upcoming National Games in Uttarakhand due to inadequate infrastructure and equipment.

He acknowledged that absence of proper facilities hinders preparation of athletes, with many talented players unable to reach the national and international arenas.

Despite the state having produced 19 Olympians, only one from Manipur actually competed in the Paris Olympics this year, rued the vice president and the government to provide greater support to Sports associations, stressing that without proper facilities, athletes cannot compete on the international stage.

The seminar also featured presentations and lectures including DM University professor Dr RK Chandrakumar on 'Nationalism in Manipur Sports and its Value and Ethics,' Manipur University professor M Chourajit on 'Nationalism in Manipur Sports, Its Management, and the National Education Policy', MOA vice-president Dr K Saratchandra on 'Indigenous Games and Modern Games with Nationalism in Manipur Sports,' and National Sports University, department of sports coaching, visiting faculty member K Kosh Metei on 'Nationalism in Manipur Sports with Human Psychology and Sports Infrastructure'.

MOA joint secretary N Ibungochoubi concluded with a paper on 'Sports and the Present Crisis with Nationalism in Manipur Sports'.

The seminar was also attended by Sports Movement Committee Manipur convenor RK Ranendrajit, retired IAS officer Dr RK Nimai, and MOA vice-president M Ratankumar as presidium members.

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