Sports bodies, army commemorate Olympic Day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 23 2025:
Manipur Olympic Association (MOA) commemorated the International Olympic Day at Olympic Bhavan, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, here, on Monday.
The Olympic Day being celebrated since 1948 commemorates the revival of the Olympic Games in Paris on June 23, 1894 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin with the for mation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
In his address, Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arunkumar pledged his continuous contributions toward development of sports in the state.
Noting excellence of state's sportspersons in national and international level competitions, he stressed the need for producing more Olympians from the state.
As part of the event, MOA felicitated its treasurer Kirankumar Thangjam on receiving the 9th Dan (Kudan) under Karate India Organisation on June 15.Kirankumar of Khurai Thoudam Leikai, who started learning karate since 1976 under the tutelage of Paonam Manikumar, is presently KIO Technical Commission chairman, and president of Manipur Amateur Karate-Do Association, and North East Sports Karate Federation of India.
He is also the chief and founder of National Shotokan Karate Foundation, India.
The programme was also attended by Youth Affairs & Sports secretary N Praveen, Olympian Kh Thoiba, MOA vice president Bobby Waikhom and YAS director M Veto.
An International Olympic Day celebration was held at Khuman Lampak on Monday with Bishnupur MLA K Govindas as chief guest, Manipur Hockey life president Olympian Ksh Thoiba Singh, advisor Dr Basudev Singh, president Khoirom Loyalakpa, 33 Assam Rifles CO Col Radha Krishna, Imphal East Addl SP Joyraj as guests of honour, and Wangkhei AC MLA Thangjam Arunkumar as president.
In his address, MLA Govindas said that there is almost nothing which can dampen the spirit of sportspersons.
He continued that the Olympics is not just about showing sporting talents but also a platform for countries to strengthen ties.
He then said that there is something unique about Manipur with regard to its ability to produce international level players, while expressing hope that sports would help bridge the present divide in Manipur and restore peace.
District Olympic Association (DOA), Thoubal also celebrated Olympic Day at the multipurpose Indoor stadium, Kshetrileikai Haotabi under the theme 'Move, Learn, Discover Together for a Better World' on Monday.
The event was attended by district youth affairs and sports officer Deven Moirangthem as chief guest and DOA, president Mutum Mani as president, while SAI NERC, Takyel retired assistant director Konsam Micheal and office bearers of various sports associations of the district were guests of honour.
Meanwhile, in commemoration of International Olympic Day, Indian Army organised a series of sporting events across the state.
In a release, PRO Defence informed that in Bishnupur district, a friendly volleyball match was played with local youth, attracting enthusiastic spectators, and creating an inclusive and festive atmosphere that strengthened the connection between the Army and the local populace.
According to the PRO, an athletics meet was also organised by the Army at Yambem in Imphal East district, participated by over 200 youths and children from diverse communities.
In addition to traditional Olympic disciplines, popular local sports including football, badminton and volleyball competitions were also organised and winners in each category felicitated.
Comment
