State to hold national canoe sprint coaching
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 09 2013 : For the first time in the North East region, a national canoe sprint coaching camp would be organised by All Manipur Canoeing & Kayaking Association at Takmu Water Sports Complex, said Association president Jyotin Waikhom.

speaking to newspersons at his Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai residence today, Jyotin said recent successful hosting of the 23rd National Canoe Sprint Championship at the newly developed Takmu complex has encouraged the State Association to conduct the coaching camp mostly to be held in May or June.

Conveying that Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has approved to bear the camp's expenditure, he maintained that about 300 local paddlers in the age group of 12-14 years would be attending the camp.

With the existing hostel at the Takmu complex able to accommodate 400 persons, the camp would also have about 100 participants from different States, said the Association president adding that the camp would be held under the supervision of foreign coaches.

It is also informed that 30-40 paddlers from the Takmu camp would be selected for further training at Bhopal.

confiding that out of two new SAI centres approved by the Centre, Manipur is likely to have one of the centres, Jyotin also conveyed that there is strong possibility of Manipur hosting an international competition in 2016 for which recent executive meeting of the indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association has approved in-principal.

Informing that Parliamentary Secretary Amin Shah has been working on a plan to establish the State's second water sports complex in Imphal East district at the foothills of Nongmaiching, he sought cooperation of all concerned in promoting water sports in the State.

A reception programme of Manipuri players who participated at the recent 23rd National Canoe Sprint Championship, Takmu was also held at the Association president's residence today which was also attended by sympathisers of the sports discipline.

Among others, the event was attended by Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar and Parliamentary Secretary for YAS and Tourism M Prithviraj.

While Dr Ratankumar announced Government plan for setting up water sports complexes at Thoubal and Imphal East districts, Prithviraj emphasised on the need to prevent talented Manipuri players from leaving the State.

Comment