Sportspersons honoured on Sanaroishingee Numit : Football stadium with capacity of 75,000 to come up in IW
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, February 25 2023: Chief minister N Biren Singh has said that the state government as a people's government has been giving utmost emphasis to the sports sector, stressing that sports movement is of vital importance to save the youths from the drug menace which poses a great threat to the state.

The chief minister was addressing the gathering at the observance of Sanaroishingee Numit, 2023 organised by the Directorate of Youth Affairs and Sports at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex on Saturday.

N Biren Singh further stated that Sanaroishingee Numit (Players' Day) is being observed in the state as a recognition of the dedication and achievements of the veteran sportspersons of the state, adding that the state government has been taking up various initiatives to develop the sports sector in the state.

The chief minister then cited the opening of Mary Kom Boxing Academy and Laishram Sarita Regional Boxing Academy in the state while announcing that a hostel for Sarita's boxing academy is in the process.

He further informed that funds have also been allocated to the budget for setting up of a training centre for weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu.

Stating that many football players from the state are representing the country, CM Biren announced that the government had a talk with the All India Football Federation to set up a football academy in Manipur.

Mentioning the Manipur Olympian Park constructed at Sangaithel to honour the state Olympians, the chief minister stated that the park will also have an excellence training centre to provide training facilities.

He further informed that a football stadium with a Crowd capacity of 75,000 people will be constructed at Imphal West with the Indian Railways and a land has been identified for the same.

Another 8 football grounds will be constructed under PM-DevINE, he added.

N Biren further announced that a pension scheme for unemployed sports persons and coaches of 60 years and above who have represented the state at national and international level has been launched.

Informing that Manipur Start Up 2 has been launched, the chief minister said that coaches who are interested in setting up an academy for providing training in certain disciplines cane apply for the Start Up scheme.

He also informed that Chief Ministers Akhannaba Sanaroisingi Tengbang (CMAST) has been launched with an outlay of Rs 7.36 crore.

The chief minister advised the young players on the importance of taking both education and sports to achieve success in life.

He also stressed the need of proper planning and systematic way in grooming the young sportspersons of the state to achieve more medals in different tournaments.

CM Biren then urged all stakeholders of the sports sector to do away with self-interest and work as a team to develop the sports sector for our future generations.

Delivering his presidential speech, Youth Affairs & Sports minister Govindas Konthoujam stated that the state has been observing Sanaroishingee Numit since the year 2000 to mark the achievement of the players of the state in the 5th National Games hosted by the state.

He continued that Manipur, though a small northeast state, is a strategic tiny state and is known to others for its contribution in the field of games and sports.

As such, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken the decision to set up the National Sports University in the state, acknowledging the dedication of the veteran sportspersons of the state.

Speaking on the achievements of the sportspersons, the YAS minister stated that Manipur has so far produced 19 Olympians, adding that the state has produced the biggest number of Olympians in terms of per capita.

The minister also appreciated the chief minister for taking up certain initiatives to develop the sports sector and asked the sportspersons to take this opportunity in developing the sector.

During the event, four seniormost players of the state were honoured.

The players were footballer L Nabakumar, footballer Laishram Ramkumar, senior-most athlete H Jamuna Devi and footballer N Ramjoy Singh.

Coaches of Regular Coaching Classes (RCC) were also felicitated.

The chief minister also felicitated the gold medallists of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 held in Madhya Pradesh.

He also flagged off a players' run, participated by many young sportspersons as part of the event.

Manipur Olympic Association president Dr Th Radheshyam Singh, YAS principal secretary SS Chhabra, YAS director T Phullen Meitei, Olympians, renowned sports personalities and young players among others.

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