Khemchand graces 13th Chief Minister Trophy Kang Tourney
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, June 21 2026: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today attended the final match of the 13th Chief Minister Trophy Kang Tournament organised by the Manipur Kang Association at Manipur Kangshang, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, and later graced the closing match of the 2nd MPC Trophy Football Tournament organised by The Multi-Purpose Club (MPC), Hiyangthang, at Hiyangthang Kangjeibung, Imphal.

Addressing the gathering at the Kang tournament, the Chief Minister said that Kang, one of Manipur's oldest indigenous games, was first introduced during the reign of King Loitongba.

The Chief Minister's Kang Trophy was initiated by late former Chief Minister Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh in 1999 .

Closing match of the 2nd MPC Trophy Football Tournament

He noted that the tournament has now reached its 13th edition and appreciated the players and the Manipur Kang Association for their dedicated efforts in preserving and promoting the traditional game.

As a gesture of encouragement towards promoting indigenous game, the Chief Minister announced a contribution of Rs 1 lakh from the Chief Minister's account, continuing the annual tradition.

The closing function of Kang Tournament was attended by Sapam Nishikant Singh, MLA, Keishamthong Assembly Constituency; Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, Director, Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS), Meikam Jadumani Singh; president, Manipur Kang Association; members of the Manipur Kang Association, players and sports enthusiasts, among others.

Notably, NBKA emerged as the winners of the Kang tournament by defeating Gopaldev Kangkhut by 28-14 panjal.

W Premjit of NBKA also walked away as the Best Lamtha and man of the match as compatriot Kh Ithoi sealed the Best Chekphei title.

Later, while addressing the closing function of the 2nd MPC Trophy Football Tournament, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him, saying that the slogans calling for unity among the people reflected the collective aspiration for harmony in the State.

He remarked that sports have always served as a powerful medium for fostering friendship and unity, noting that ever since the Olympic Games began, athletes from different countries have come together, interacted and built lasting friendships.

Similarly, he said, State-level sporting events in India bring together people from different communities, strengthening integration and mutual understanding, and added that Manipur has always embodied this spirit of unity through sports.

Yumnam Khemchand further stated that, recognising the exceptional talent and credibility of Manipuri sportspersons, the Prime Minister gifted the State the country's first National Sports University, which has significantly contributed to the development of sports in Manipur.

He also informed that he had received reports indicating that all infrastructure works at the university are expected to be completed within the current year.

The closing ceremony of the football tournament was attended by Konthoujam Govindas Singh, Minister (Home and Youth Affairs & Sports); Karam Shyam Singh, MLA, Langthabal Assembly Constituency; Sagolshem Kebi Devi, MLA, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Assembly Constituency; Naorem Praveen Singh, Secretary (YAS); Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh, Director, (YAS); former India football team captain P Renedy Singh; former India football player Lourembam Lolendra Singh; official, club members, players and local residents, among others.