Khuman Lampak Sports Complex lies in total disarray
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 02 2019: Manipur is known for its contributions in the field of games and sports and many a times, Manipuris take pride in calling the State as "Sports Powerhouse" and it is everyone's indispensable duty to ensure the biggest grooming place for games and sports in the State, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex remains as a sacred place for players who have been bringing fame and honours to the State on many occasions and sports lovers who have been greatly supporting the cause.

The place is indeed a public place but use of the complex and any part of it for personal conveniences and interests apart from sporting activities is becoming quite common these days and such a utilization will not only devalue the fundamental purpose of the sports complex but also give a false impression in the long run.

And therefore it is high time for authorities concerned to look into the matter seriously and make the purpose of the Stadium very clear to one and all.

Visionary players and sports personalities of the State have been keeping a close watch on Khuman Lampak Sports Complex since the year 1975 and it was in the year 1999 that the Sports Complex hosted the 5 th National Games from February 14 to 25 .

Twenty years since the game was held, the sports complex has not seen much improvement although a hefty sum of money has been sanctioned for renovation and other purposes.

A sum of Rs 100 crore was sanctioned by the 13 th Finance Commission for renovation purpose of the said sports complex but many quarters of the society expressed dissatisfaction on many occasions as there was not much development.

When asked about the issue in last year's "Shannaroisingi Numit" observation programme at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, which was graced by Chief Minister N Biren Singh as chief guest, the Chief Minister suggested that the matter can be handed to independent bodies like CBI if required.

The Government has classified the stadiums which is present inside the complex broadly into two categories namely Class-A which consists of Main Stadium, Hockey Stadium, Indoor Stadium and Swimming Pool and Class-B which includes Shooting Range, Cycling Velodrome, Kangsang, Football and Hockey practise grounds, warm up athletic track, Volleyball and Basketball practice courts and Multipurpose ground, for proper usage and functioning but it is disheartening to learn that some powerful hands are using some parts of the complex for personal purpose completely unrelated to sports on many occasions.

If such misuse continues to be a trend then it will no longer be a right environment for the players and negative impacts are inevitable.

Therefore, the Government and the sports associations need to sit together and chalk out a proper plan on how to administer the complex and check misuse of the sports complex or any part of it by some individuals or organisations .

for personal interests, fixed appropriate price for usage of stadiums and ensure cleanliness, proper toilet and lighting system which are also big concerns, at the earliest.

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