Manipur Players' Day observed far and wide
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 25 2022: Commemorating Manipur's historic feat of winning overall team champions title in the 5th National Games on February 25, 1999, "Manipur Players' Day/ Shannaroising Numit" was observed across the State Day.

The day has been an annual event since 2000 to celebrate the spirit and performance of State players who amassed 49 gold, 24 silver and 39 bronze medals in the Games hosted in Imphal to bag the coveted Raja Bhalendra Singh Trophy.

The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports, local organisations and district bodies observed the day with sporting and other cultural events today.

Manipur Players' Day observed far and wide

The simple programme organised by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports at Main Stadium Khuman Lampak was attended by SS Chhabra, Principal Secretary YAS; T Phulen Meitei, Director YAS; L Jayanta Kumar Singh, Joint Director YAS; Lunkhosei Haokip, Joint Director YAS; Hockey Olympians, Pangambam Nilakomol Singh (Los Angeles Summer Olympics 1984) and Kshetrimayum Thoiba (Seoul Olympics 1988) as dignitaries.

Speaking at the occasion, YAS Director T Phulen said that this year's programme was organised low key owing to Covid pandemic and in the wake of the upcoming State Assembly election.

Lauding the unwavering contributions of the State athletes to the State and the Country, YAS Director said that the Department also acknowledge the role of sports associations of the State.

In recognition of their role in grooming world class athletes, the Department of YAS is keen to provide yearly grant of Rs 50,000 to sports associations by hiking State's sports budget soon.

Recognising the sporting spirit of the State, the All India Football Federation has allotted Imphal to partly host India's old of the oldest and prestigious football tournament, Durand Cup.

Further necessary preparation for hosting Sub-Junior National Hockey Tournament here in Imphal is also completed, he informed while adding that all these are happenings due to the hard work and achievements of the State athletes.

Cricket
Speaking as the chief guest of the event, SS Chhabra spoke highly of the works and efforts put in by coaches and other support staff and exuded confidence that more illustrious players will emerge from the State.

Noting celebrations of Sports Day in other parts of the Nation and other countries, he also expressed his desire to see the Manipur Players Day in the State's holiday list and the historic day is celebrated more widely.

The Manipur Cricket Association (MNCA) also observed the day in association with Manipuri sports journalists at YWCO ground, Heinoupok.

Laithangbam Binoy Singh, hony VP MNCA; Ksh Peter Singh, hony secretary MNCA; Leishangthem Ronnel Singh, hony treasurer; Konthoujam Bobin Singh, hony joint secretary MNCA; Chongtham Chaoba, chairman, MNCA ground committee; Thokchom Joykumar, chairman, cricket standing committee, MNCA; M Romen, sports journalist, The Sangai Express and M Tarunkumar, sports journalist, IMPACT TV attended the function as presidium members.

The speakers expressed proud over the achievements of the State athletes and dwelt on areas that need to be stressed upon to further boost the capabilities of the State athletes.

The attendees also noted lack of upto date grounds, infrastructure, equipment, enough coaching staff; delay in distributing sports awards and non disbursement of fund and assistance to players and associations in time etc and called upon departments concerned to do the needful.

A cricket match between teams of sports journalists and secretary of MNCA to mark the day.

IWDUCO: The Imphal West District United Clubs' Organisation (IWDUCO) also observed the day with a simple function attended by IWDUCO president, Heramani Khaba; AMUCO secretary organisation, Y Inaocha; RUCO president, Kh Lokendro; Lamdeng Meira Paibi president, Thouranisabi as presidium members.

Presentation of Thang-Ta, tug-of-war competition and exhibition football match were the highlight of the day, said IWDUCO in a release.

IEDUCO: The Imphal East United Clubs' Organisation also observed the day at Lairok Kom village in Kangpokpi in the presence of AMUCO president, Pheiro-ijam Nando Luwang; IEDUCO president, Dwijo Mangang; PAYDO president, Joseph Kom and UCCO president, H Khoikhoi as presidium members.

Compet- itions in indigenous games and sports including, Mukna, Yubi Lakpi, Thouri Chingnabi besides football and 100 race marked the day.

Eshingthenbi Kongba team, Rungwangchung FC, FC Lairok, KG Boys, SKYC Sinam Kom, SYDC Sinam, Dang FC, P Khonomfai, 5-brothers Lairok, Rebongson FC, Kongpal FC and Purum FC participated in the football competition where in SYDC emerged winners beating Eshingthenbi Kongba team in the final.

Yelhou Masana Yokhat Lup: Yelhou Masana Yokhat Lup also celebrated that day at SDC, Chingtham ground and CYDC, Khangabok.

Mukna
Mukna competition at SDC ground, football and "Maroom Konbi" competition at CYDC ground marked the celebration.

Apunba Manipur Huyel Lanlong Lup also celebrated the day at the organisation's headquarters at Wakha where moves of Thang-Ta were demonstrated.